 Does the next item of business is members' business debate on motion 167.95 in the name of Bill Kidd on International Workers Memorial Day 2019. That debate will be concluded without any questions being put. Can I ask those who wish to speak in the debate to press the request-to-speak buttons? I call on Bill Kidd to open the debate. I demandering of silent preparations from those who leave on the gallery. Bill Qid will open the debate for 7 minutes. I'm grateful for the MST and Surely Chamber Rwy'n meddwl i gael ar hunain yn dwylo gyntafol i chi'n trafodol, mae hyn yn parlyw wath Commentary Busnes Proceeding ym Mhag hipwysol. Rwy'n meddwl i chi'n trofodol, mhag hyn yn ym Ysgrifennydd. Rwy'n meddwl i chi'n trofodol, roeddwn yn hiwn i gael, wrth gan gweithio aeth i chi'n trofodaeth o dweud y digwyddol i chi oedd, ond oedd yn gobeithio i chi'n trafodol Those who will be participating and those who are showing an interest. The contributions to this debate are something that follows on from last night, where I held an event on behalf of Scottish Hazards and International Workers Memorial Day. It was an extremely interesting and well-attended event. I am very grateful to members from across the chamber who actually came along and contributed. International Workers Memorial Day has been held on 28 April every year since 1989. This year it falls on Sunday, so I am grateful to be able to hold this debate today, and every year this day brings us together to remember the dead and fight for the living. It is my hope that this debate goes some way in grasping both aspects of this powerful statement that has been shared since the first Workers Memorial Day was held 30 years ago. We have the opportunity now to remember those who lost their lives far too early, and we can affirm actions taken to ensure that the mistakes or negligence that led to premature deaths are not repeated. We are lucky to live in a country where health and safety is taken seriously, but the continued examples of people who are made ill through work and those who have died shows us that more needs to be done. For example, it is estimated that in the UK 50,000 workers die every year from work-related illnesses. Causes include cancers, lung disease, heart disease and neurological diseases. Addied to the tragic figure is the 1,500 workers who die in work-related incidents and accidents. This year, unions and workers rights organisations will use International Workers Memorial Day to focus on the impact of dangerous chemicals in the workplace, particularly cancer-causing carcinogens. By doing so, those organisations highlight that changes still need to be made and that workers rights must be taken seriously. In the 21st century, we are now equipped with knowledge and understanding that we did not have in the past. That enables us to be more responsive in tackling or pre-empting issues that affect the health of workers here in Scotland. That greater understanding means that we have greater responsibility in ensuring the safety of workers. Last night, I was delighted to host Scottish Hazards at the Scottish Parliament when the event was held to March 28, and Scottish Hazards are an organisation committed to improving the occupational health and safety of workers. They do a huge amount in their capacity as members of the health and safety executive FAS partnership. In complement with their parliamentary stall a few weeks ago, Scottish Hazards used yesterday's event to communicate important information with MSPs about workers rights. They have welcomed the establishment of the Scottish Fair Work Convention and the publication of the Scottish Government's Fair Work Action plan, particularly with regard to the plan's emphasis on the Scottish Government's commitment to partnership. The contribution of Scottish Hazards to this Parliament has always been very useful, particularly as in last night they highlighted information on dangerous chemicals in the workplace and evidenced how those chemicals pose threats to the health of many workers across Scotland and throughout the rest of the world. I am also thankful for the work of the Trade Union Congress, the STUC's partner organisation, who has also been working hard to spread information about the dangers of workplace carcinogens. The TUC compiled empirical evidence on the prevalence and harmful impacts of two of the most dangerous carcinogens facing workers in this country, namely, as best us, a fibre that when inhaled can cause cancer and constitutes the biggest cause of workplace deaths in the UK and diesel exhaust, which follows as the second biggest workplace killer. Although asbestos was banned in 1999 from being imported into the UK, its dangers are still with us. Around 5,000 people this year alone are likely to die prematurely because of asbestos exposure. Clyde's side action on asbestos has worked over many years to ensure representation of those affected by asbestos-related diseases, as well as raising awareness of those terrible illnesses. Asbestos containing materials such as lagging around pipes and boilers can be found in half a million non-domestic premises and, consequently, are likely to be in workplaces built before the turn of the millennium. That means that people working in maintenance, refurbishment or demolition can be exposed if fibres become dislodged during the course of their work. The health and safety executive estimates that 1.3 million tradespeople are at risk of exposure and could come into contact with asbestos on average more than 100 times a year. That risk of exposure reinforces the importance of health and safety regulation and ensures that workers' safety is prioritised. Estimates show that diesel exhaust, the second-biggest workplace killer, can contain up to 14 known carcinogens and can also contain 12 chemicals or chemical compounds that have been found as probable carcinogens to humans. Those chemicals can be inhaled in the form of gases or tiny dust particles. Diesel exhaust is produced not only by motor vehicles but is also produced anywhere that there is a diesel engine such as from a generator or pump. Those most at risk include professional drivers and those who work in warehouses, garages, construction, seafaring, underground and maintenance. Workers who are regularly exposed to diesel exhaust fumes can be 40 per cent more likely to develop lung cancer. Conservatives' investments show that prolonged exposure is responsible for 800 cases of bladder and lung cancer a year in the UK. That leads to up to 650 deaths a year. Inhalation of fumes can also worsen respiratory diseases such as bronchitis or may aggravate existing heart disease. The issues that are focused on are ones that we know to be highly relevant to Scotland and to the rest of the UK. Across the world, however, the United Nations estimates that more people are killed in work-related incidents and illness than by war. Imagine the headlines that we would see if the same amount of people were dying from a catastrophe or a war. The sobering reality is that those premature deaths could and can be avoided with the enforcement of better safety standards. We owe it to the families and friends of those who have lost their lives due to their work, to recognise international workers memorial day and we must continue to remember the dead, learn lessons and take part in the fight for their living. I say to those in the public gallery that we would prefer it if they did not show appreciation or otherwise. We move on to the open debate. We are really pushed for time, so no more than four-minute speeches, please. Brian Whittle, followed by Fulton MacGregor. I thank Bill Kidd for bringing the debate to the chamber and also for hosting the event last night. Going to work every day, spending a working day in a safe environment and coming home every day seems a pretty reasonable request to me, requiring employers to ensure the safety of their workforce and in a working environment seems a reasonable ask. Apart from anything else, looking after your staff is to the benefit of the company's performance. I attended the International Memorial Workers Day last night and listened to the discussions around the table. It was a real eye-opener. Of course, we all know that there are employers out there who cut corners and put their employees at risk for profit. False economy, in my view, but to hear the scale of workplace injury in death, it was quite disconcerting. My health and safety work, in my view, has undoubtedly improved, but while listening to the presentations on the screens that were there, appeared an incident where a worker died on the Arb Deer site in 2002. I worked there in the mid-80s and were discussing the dangerous chemicals. My job back then was to test explosives for an interesting life. As you can imagine, the protocols for handling those kinds of chemicals are extremely high and the training required for that is extremely arduous. What was interesting to me—I was discussing that with Bill Kidd last night—was that the chemicals that we used to use, the solvents that we used to use within that environment, were used to dispose of what was called the solvent room. That was basically what we combined with the stuff that we used. We just poured them into big bottles, and the floor used to swim with solvent dichloromethane and acetone, etc. I remember once that my shoes were disintegrating. I was going to report that to my manager, and at the time, his response to me was that I needed to buy better shoes. I would have hoped since then that the safety protocols and health and safety had moved on, as I am sure it has, but it was rather disconcerting to note that that incident in the earlier factory was in 2002. My other interest lies in the healthcare sector and looking at the workers' safety. I think that everybody knows my interest in health, especially around mental health and creating an environment in which our healthcare workers can have an active, healthy lifestyle. I think that that is an area that I am really interested in, not just because I happen to have a daughter who works within that environment. While we acknowledge that health and safety at work is improving, and we work it as Bill Kidd says, we are in a country where we take it seriously, there is an awful lot more work that we need to do. As Bill Kidd said, 50,000 people are killed each year through work-related incidents or illnesses. That is where we need to create more work. Once again, I thank Bill Kidd for bringing this to the chamber, and I also welcome and support the work that organisations continue to do to ensure worker safety and highlight where poor safety is an issue. Fulton MacGregor, followed by Neil Findlay. I would like to also take this opportunity to thank Bill Kidd for bringing this very important debate to the chamber. It is a great honour to again be able to speak in this debate, and I will apologise to the chamber in advance for speaking in this debate every year. I might say some of the same things, but I think that it is important that—I know that my colleague Elaine Smith will agree with that—it is important that the representative for Coatbridge and Crescent speaks in this debate when it is brought forward, because my constituency is a proud industrial heritage with strong traditions in the coal iron and steel industries. Working in such heavy industries is frequently dangerous, as people know, with little safeguarding in place to protect those workers. Many of my constituents have direct experience of workplace loss, the effects of which are felt by all in future generations. Like most people who come from the area, I come from a family with a strong and proud industrial working past. I know that I have mentioned that in the chamber before, and I am really proud of his past, but my maternal grandfather worked from the age of 14 in places such as Gartcorshire and the Calderon. I know that he himself was injured at points in new others, but it was not as highlighted back then. Actually, it is just a personal story. At the weekend, I had the kids down at Trampillial Locks, and there is actually a wee part there that has got one of the old or one of the last bits of steel work from Gartcorshire in memory. I was able to explain a wee bit to my five-year-old. I do not know how much it took in, but it is good that those things are there and traditions can be passed down. I am probably the most prominent example of such a devastating loss in my area. The concerns of the loss of 47 lives due to a fire in a local coal mine. That was in 18 September 1959, nearly 60 years ago, when 47 men lost their lives. 41 women became widows and 76 children lost their fathers. It was in that moment that the early shift at the Auckland Geek mine in Moodiesburn, 48 men in total, walked into work as normal. It is normal that a series of trains or bogies were boarded, which were to convey them to the coal face hundreds of feet underground, all of them unaware of the deadly sequence of events that were about to take place. I think that it is important that, even though I have taken that particular paragraph from last year's speech, I will make no apology for doing so every year in the debates that I can speak to them. It is important that we remember them. I know that this year they will be the sixth death anniversary. There is always a memorial service every year, but it will be an extra special one this year. I know that Elaine Smith and Richard Leonard will attend those events in which we all stand in unity for the people who lost their lives that day. I will also keep in the tradition that the constituency, this Sunday, will be a workers memorial event that was arranged by the North Lancer Trade Union Council. It was held at Summerleigh Industrial Museum. It is an annual event where parties who represent the area come together and will do so again. This Sunday, I will be going to that event and then straight out to party conference. Presiding Officer, it is worth saying again that the two signs at the front of Summerleigh read the past being inherent to the future that we build and in memory of all those who lost their lives. The day itself is an international day for remembrance, an action for workers killed at work and an opportunity for reflection and a commitment to change. Although Bill Kidd has articulated well the purpose of the day, we can never forget workers and people who lost their lives at work. I have so much more to say, Presiding Officer, as you could probably tell, but I know that you said a strict 10 for minutes. I would just like to end by saying that it has been a privilege to speak in this debate again on behalf of my constituency. I look forward to the day that we do not have to mark this International Workers Memorial Day. I look forward to the day when workers do not die at work and I look forward to the day when we have an economic system driven not by profit maximisation or that sees workers as a dispensable cog in a machine but we have an economy based on social need and sustainability. However, as long as we have a system based around profit maximisation fuelled by deregulation, we will see workers killed and injured and made ill through work. An international workers memorial day will remain a necessary date in the calendar. Every 15 seconds, a worker dies from a work-related accident or disease, so 16 workers will have died during the course of my contribution alone. In February, a 21-year-old roofer, Nathan Craig, died in Edinburgh when he fell through a skylight working on a roof. Another son needlessly taken leaving another grieving family and community. Lives like Craig should not simply be just a statistic in a speech. There should be a call for action to prevent future fatality. I am very proud that the Labour Party over the course of our existence has worked very closely with our brothers and sisters in the trade unions to deliver huge improvements in health and safety, but we have a long, long way to go. That work will continue in this Parliament, with Clare Baker bringing forward her culpable homicide bill and Daniel Johnson's protection of shop workers' bills. I hope that all members will support them. It is right to put on record our thanks to a number of people and organisations who have driven or are driving change in the area. First of all, I put on record my thanks to my friend and one of my great mentors, Jim Swann, the former trade union convener at British Leyland in Bathgate, who was instrumental in bringing workers memorial day to Scotland. Last night, we were speaking to Kathy Jenkins, Dean Taskers and Scott Donahue from the Hazard's campaign. I pay tribute to them and Louise Tiger, who previously worked in the campaign. I also unite campaigners such as Steve Dillon and Brian Simpson to trade unions such as the RMT, TSS and ASLEF for their work on rail safety, PCS for their recent work on the seating campaign at the National Museum, Unison for their work in the NHS and local government and the FBU defending the fire service, the Baker's union campaign against low pay and exploitation and all the trade unions campaigning to keep their members and the public safe. This week, a great champion and advocate of Scottish workers, Sid Smith, retires from Thomson's solicitors, the law firm that represents many trade unions in Scotland. He represented the trade union group at the Cullen inquiry into Piper Alpha. He fought for justice for miners charged during the miners' strike and he has given evidence to many parliamentary committees and represented the victims of the Lockerbie bombing and the Dunblane tragedy. It is right and fitting that he has mentioned today and we pay tribute to his life's work during the debate. I hope that we all wish him well in his retirement. I have laid a motion to recognise his contribution and I hope that members will support it. This Sunday in Bathgate, I will stand like many women and men from my region to remember those who have died or have been injured unnecessarily because of their work and, collectively, I know that many of us will stand to mourn the dead and fight for the living. John Finnie, followed by James Kelly. Thank you, Presiding Officer. Like others, I would like to thank Bill Kidd for bringing this motion here and for hosting last night's event. I thank Scottish Hazzars and the entire trade union movement for the tremendous work that they do in relation to workplace health and safety. The figures that have already been quoted—50,000 people are killed through work-related incidents—are on this. That is the equivalent of the entire population of Cumbernauld, Dunfermline, Gercody or Eire each year in the UK alone. There are lots of important words in here. Of course, memorial is important, we remember, and I think that there is an international bond of workers that needs to be recognised. I sometimes think, what is it that we can do? What can we do in practical terms? From the website, remember the dead, fight like hell for the living, I commend a press release from 23 April. Something that we can all do as parliamentarians here is to listen to what the European Trade Union Confederation is saying. They quote the figure of 200,000 deaths across the European Union each year. That is the call that they are making for the European Union—in particular, the new European Parliament to be elected in May and the new commission to be appointed following the elections—to set a target of zero workplace cancer and introduce a directive on stress at work. Of course, people very rightly understand physical injury caused by work—the mental stress—and we are aware of the pressure that people are under and feel under at work, workplace bullying incidents and many of the issues that Neil Findlay refers to are the pressure for profit and the willingness of some unscrupulous employers to set aside the wellbeing of the people who earn them that profit just to generate further profit. Another thing that they want to do is to introduce a directive to tackle back knee and finger joint and other musculoskeletal pain. Launch a debate on preventing work-related road deaths and work-related suicide with a view to taking measures in the lifetime of the new Parliament. My intention will be to ensure that Scottish Green candidates support those measures, and I hope that others will do likewise. Mention has been made of Thomas and Solisters in preparation for the debate. I came across a blog written by Patrick Maguire last year. Patrick, many will know, is a doubty fighter on behalf of workers on the cause of justice. I think that the one criticism that we would have of his blog is that he wrongly chides himself in relation to the very matter that he says that it's a cause of regret that he's been unable to achieve getting proper legislation on the statute book. He talks about the Corporate Manslaughter Homicide Act and he talks about the UK legislation that is applicable in Scotland. In the subsequent 10 years, absolutely nothing has changed. That has not been a single precious scooter in Scotland under the act. Workplaces are not safer. Workplace accidents, injuries and deaths have not decreased. The 2007 act was, and is, a waste of time effort. An interesting word, emotion. I commend the Claire Baker initiative. It's important that we find common ground in this, but it's important to say, too, that we have had a fairly recent UK Prime Minister who commended slaying the health and safety monster. There is a very residual presence of cynicism about workplace safety and what needs to be addressed, because if you value individuals, the labour that they deliver, and as has been said, even if you were to take a more cynical, purely pownshillings and pens approach to things, a safe and healthy workplace is a more productive workplace. What we also know is that very evidenced is that a unionised workplace is a safer workplace, so I think that there is lessons for us all there. James Kelly, followed by Stuart McMillan. Thank you very much, Deputy Presiding Officer. I would like to start by paying tribute to Bill Kidd for securing this afternoon's very important debate on commemorating international workers day ahead of the actual day on Sunday. I also want to pay tribute to the Scottish Hazards campaign that other members have mentioned. In reflecting on that, I want to look back on an incident that happened in the area that I represent, Blantyre, which has got a strong mining tradition. On 22 October 1877, there was an explosion at the Dixon's Pit in Blantyre, and it killed over 200 people, which had a devastating effect in the local area. There is a local Blantyre project that is researching the incident in order to produce a book later this year, and it has listed all those who lost their life. In looking at the list, there are two things that strike me. The number of men denoted as married, who went to work that day and would not return to their wives or families, and the number of not even young men, but young boys. Their ages are listed 13, 15 and 16. What a dreadful thing to happen for so many people to die, but also for so many young people. Sadly, that was not the only fatal incident in Blantyre, both in 1878 and 1879. There were subsequent disasters where people lost their lives. The area has a strong mining tradition, but people drew on those incidents, and they drew very closely together as a community. You can still see that today in Blantyre. If you look around the area, there are two very distinct memorials to the incident in 1877, one in High Blantyre up at the cross and one in the Blantyre miners welfare. From that, we have seen greater trade union representation and improved protection in the workplace, which has been very much welcome in the century and a half since the 1877 incident at Blantyre. John Finnie rightly poses the question of what we can do about it as parliamentarians. As Neil Findlay pointed out, there are two member's bills currently being progressed through the Scottish Parliament. Claire Baker's bill on culpable homicide highlights the fact that many people have spoken about 50,000 people losing their lives as a result of workplace incidents or workplace illnesses. One of the issues—again, John Finnie spoke about this—is that there is a lack of protection for people. The progression, introduction and implementation of Claire Baker's bill would strengthen the law and the protection of those workers. As would the legislation that has been put forward by Daniel Johnson on protection of short workers, we are unfortunately seeing an increasing number of those incidents. There have been a number of them reported recently in western central Scotland. There is an opportunity not only to reflect on the debate, but to make a difference by supporting two member's bills that have been considered by the Parliament currently. I hope that members across the chamber will take those points on board. Just before I call Mr McMillan, I have three members who still wish to speak, and of course the minister. I am minded to accept a motion under relate 14.3 that the debate will be extended by up to 30 minutes. I invite Bill Kidd to move the motion. The question is that, under rule 8.14.3, the debate will be extended by up to 30 minutes, are we agreed? That is then agreed. I call Stuart McMillan to be followed by Jamie Halcro Johnston. I too want to congratulate my friend and colleague Bill Kidd for securing this important debate, but remember the dead fight for the living. This is what international workers memorial day stands for. All over the world, workers are showing solidarity and are conducting events, demonstrations and vigils, campaigning for stricter enforcement and also higher penalties for breaches of health and safety laws. As Bill Kidd mentioned earlier on, the fact that, according to the United Nations, more people are killed at work than in wars. That is an astounding fact. Those deaths do not occur in sudden unexpected accidents, but with long-term negligence towards worker safety, they are therefore leading to fatal illnesses such as mesothelioma, asthma and dermatitis. That is disgraceful and it cannot continue. Tomorrow, I will be attending an event in my own Greenwich and Inverclyde constituency for international workers memorial day. Remembering those in Inverclyde and beyond who have suffered due to the negligence of their employers, the theme of this year's memorial day is dangerous substances. Get them out of the workplace. As others have spoken about, this involves carcinogens, a substance capable of causing cancer and living tissue, and examples of those are asbestos and diesel exhaust. Asbestos is the biggest cause of workplace deaths. This year, 5,000 people are likely to die prematurely as a result of asbestos exposure. Although its use has been banned for 20 years, asbestos containing materials can still be found in around half a million workplaces in the UK. There is no safe threshold of exposure to asbestos fibres. Even the smallest of quantities over a short period of time can lead to mesiwchlioma several decades after exposure. It is estimated that over 6 million tonnes of asbestos fibres were imported into Britain during the last century. Most of it is still here in workplaces, homes and buildings, meaning that workers will continue to be exposed. That is one of the reasons why I am working to bring forward my proposed recovery of medical costs for industrial disease Scotland bill. The purpose of the proposed bill is to ensure that the NHS does not foot the bill for employers' negligence as it seeks to allow the recovery of costs associated with NHS treatment for industrial diseases caused by negligence. The bill will not only claw back crucial monies for the NHS, but it will also help to detect workers in the years to come. The proposal was initiated by Clyde's action on asbestos, and I pay tribute to them for that, but also for their dedication that they have shown over many, many years to help people and their families who have suffered through asbestos exposure. This year marks the 200th anniversary of the death of James Watt, the Greenock born inventor who improved the steam engine, which was fundamental in leading the UK into the industrial revolution. Back in 1776, he could not have been able to imagine what industry would be like in 2019. Like him, we may have no idea as to what is going to come in 20 years, 50 years or 100 years, but industries will arise and they will be completely different, and there will be different occupational hazards in workplace diseases that we will not even know about yet. The bill that I am taking forward will actually make sure that we are going to be ready for it, with good measures to protect workers, and with the taxpayer and the NHS. It is important that we mark international workers memorial day to remember all those lives that were shortened due to their workplace, but it is also vital that we work to protect workers' health as best we can, and we all deserve to work in a safe environment. Jamie Halcro Johnston, followed by Elaine Smith Thank you, Deputy Presiding Officer. I congratulate Bill Kidd on bringing this debate to the chamber and marking workers memorial day ahead of this Sunday's event. Just as Neil Findlay mentioned, the Cullin Inquire remembers a young boy, the Piper Alpha accommodation section, sitting at Flotter oil terminal in Orford. It was a very stark reminder of the dangers that people do. The oil and gas sector has seen a number of other tragedies, including helicopters and the like, and hopefully improvements may be made, but I think that there is still more to be done on that. This is obviously still a very important debate, given that around the world thousands of people still die and suffer from injuries at work. That is a disturbing fact that should give us all pause for thought. We know well the history. Here in Scotland, we need to only look at some of the great buildings and great feats of engineering to find them tinged with the memory of the people who died building them, people who are at work and whose safety often seemed far from the minds of others. Remember, for example, the fourth bridge, which lies just a few miles from this Parliament, and the names of 73 men recorded as having died in its construction. The youngest was a rivet catcher, David Clark, who was apparently only 13 years old when he lost his footing, falling to his death. It seems outrageous today, but it took until 2012 before those workers were properly commemorated, sometimes before they were even recognised. It is important always to understand the working practices that have contributed to death and serious accidents. Yes, there will always be genuinely unforeseeable risk and genuine accidents, and yes, some employment will inevitably carry greater risks than others. However, those realities must never serve as an excuse where foreseeable risks have not been managed, where accidents were waiting to happen and where the safety of employees has been put on the back burner. It is now 45 years since the Health and Safety at Work Act became law. This was not a revolutionary change. There had been a variety of pre-existing regulations and bodies, but it did create an overarching principle that applies across employers. Since then, this approach has developed further across the UK and we have come a long way, but there is more to do. Bill Kidd's motion touches on the people who have died from illness caused through their working conditions, the theme of this year's workers memorial day. There are still thousands living with work-related illnesses, from exposure to asbestos, from work-related COPD and cancers, and thousands more who have died. Many of those diseases have laid dormant for decades, but this year's theme points to there are still cases where employees are exposed to dangerous substances in the workplace that can have considerable impact on their health. The TUC has quite properly raised a number of concerns about incidents of exposure and the action that can be taken by Government, by employers and by employees to reduce that risk. We should be looking forward to a time where substances such as asbestos are not just managed but where they can be safely removed and cease to present a threat to individuals. Diesel fumes and other issues that have been raised are notably more harmful than other types of exhaust fumes, and employers have plans in place to avoid exposure. Fortunately, we are looking forward to a future of low emissions and an end to diesel vehicles. That, of course, does not lessen the duty of employers in the interim. I would also like to briefly touch on mental health. Where support is lacking, mental health issues can cause significant problems in the workplace, including long absences. In many cases, too, we know that those issues can lead to death. It is in everyone's interest that support and a preventative approach are in place. Unfortunately, our mental health services are often overstretched and individuals here in Scotland can be left waiting months before even relatively basic support can be provided. Warm words about the focus on mental health have for too long failed to lead to genuine action. Deputy Presiding Officer, our history with protecting people in the workplace has been one of gradual progressive improvement. While we mark and remember those who have died at work, we should learn the lessons of the past and the importance of adapting them to a changing and modernising workplace. The last of the open debate contributions is from Elaine Smith. Thank you, Presiding Officer. Can I just start? I have a declared interest regarding past trade union assistance, and I am a member of Unite the Union. Unlike others, I would like to thank Bill Kidd for bringing the motions for debate ahead of international workers memorial day on Sunday, April 28. Thus, given all the opportunity to remember the people in this country and around the world, killed in the workplace or by work, it reminds us of the need to do whatever is in our power to constantly seek improvement in the working conditions of people in Scotland and right across the world. It reminds us, too, that that is a class issue and that is a point that Neil Findlay touched upon in his contribution. As in previous years, events will be held in local communities all around Scotland to mark the occasion, and I am pleased that, following my request to the Government in 2008, the Scottish Government also officially recognised international workers memorial day. In a country with a rich industrial heritage, the day has added poignancy as many communities will have been affected by some sort of industrial tragedy in the past. Given its extensive industrial history, the central Scotland region that I represent is particularly affected by such tragedies. As mentioned by Fulton MacGregor, this year, on 18 September, marks the 60th anniversary of the Ockingeekolgery disaster where 47 men lost their lives. This tragedy affected the great many families in the area, including my own family. In the past, I have spoken at the memorial event held annually on international workers memorial day in Coatbridge at Summerleigh heritage park, a point that Fulton MacGregor has made. As I have said many times in this chamber, Summerleigh is well worth a visit. It is preserved and interpreted the history of the local iron steel, coal and engineering industries and the lives of the people and the communities that depended on them for a living, so I would urge people to pay a visit to Summerleigh if they can. Unfortunately, I will not be able to attend this year's event, but I would like to take this opportunity to commend LUTC for organising it, and I wish them all the best for the commemoration event at the weekend. It is important to remember that most workers killed at work did not die in big major disasters. As noted in Bill Kidd's motion, the theme of this year's international workers memorial day is dangerous substances get them out of the workplace, and the main focus of the topic is workers' exposure to carcinogenes, a key cause of cancer. There is a wide range of known carcinogenes that Bill Kidd mentioned, some of them including tobacco smoke, asbestos fibres, which have also been discussed, diesel fumes and a wide range of chemicals used in the workplace. The nature of the disease means that it is impossible to get an accurate figure for people diagnosed with cancer, which is caused by their working conditions. However, the health and safety executive estimates that there are around 13,500 new cases of cancer caused by work every year with over 8,000 deaths. That is likely to be an underestimation, as there are many causes suspected but not yet proven. As we have heard, there are also other health problems exacerbated, such as asthma and bronchitis. Although trade unions and organisations such as Scottish Hazards lead the way in campaigning for safe conditions, including the minimisation of exposure to dangerous substances in the workplace, we should all take an interest in safe working conditions and in holding employers to account. This Parliament, as an employer and a visitor's attraction, should be setting a clear example in ensuring that no hazardous substances, including lacquer, should be used improperly on those premises. Finally, I recently submitted a consultation response for my colleague Claire Baker's culpable homicide bill, which has been mentioned by other people, other members, and I encourage others to do so, as well as to support the bill. I just finished by saying that, once again, I congratulate Bill Kidd as we remember the dead and fight for the living. Now, Colin, Jamie Hepburn, to respond to the debate for around seven minutes, please, minister. Thank you, Presiding Officer. I also join with others in congratulating Bill Kidd for bringing this debate to the Scottish Barn and all members for their considered contributions to the Scottish Government. Of course, it continues to provide its support for international workers memorial day, as we collectively reflect on the impacts of lives lost due to work. Scotland does continue to have one of the best occupational health and safety records in Europe, but we would all recognise and agree that one workplace fatality is one to many. Work-related deaths and injuries take an incredible toll on the families of those affected, on work colleagues, on emergency service personnel called to respond to them, and indeed on the wider community. As well, in that community impact was brought to the focus by James Kelly, when he reminded us very clearly of the impact in the Blantyr community from the various incidents, such as Dixon's pit, that he mentioned, as did Fulton McGregor and Elaine Smith, when they reminded us that this year is the 60th anniversary of that terrible Ochengeach disaster, something that actually directly impacted the area that I represent. There is a memorial to the men from Cundorat who killed at Ochengeach in the centre of Cundorat, which is a memorial to the six families who were left bereft by the loss of their loved ones in that terrible accident. I thought that Neil Findlay made a very important point. He reminds us that this is not just a matter of history, but an on-going struggle. In that context, it is right that we continue to have debates of this nature and continue our efforts. We, as a Government, believe that the best outcomes are achieved by collaboration and partnership working. The partnership on health and safety in Scotland is a good example of that, bringing together a wide range of different partners together. In this case, representatives of the Scottish health and safety system, trade unions, employer bodies, regulatory bodies, among others. The Scottish plan for action on safety and health is a long-term commitment to partnership working across organisations and industries to tackle those areas of greatest concern, such as health and safety in the agriculture, waste management and social care industries. We are committed to continuing to provide employers access to advice on workplace health and safety through our healthy working lives. There are, of course, particular types of employment and industries that show poorer health and safety outcomes. The needs tend to be associated with lower paid and, often, poorer quality work. The large number of people in the, what we are calling, increase of the gig economy are particularly at risk. It is best when you consider that they are often treated as self-employed and do not have access to health and safety expertise and protection. We remain committed to improving the unacceptable working conditions, regardless of their status, sectoral locations, as part of the fair work agenda that we are taking forward that Bill Kidd mentioned at the outset of the debate. Collaborative working is central to the promotion of fair work and ensuring that all employers understand the benefits of an effective employee voice. Engaging with the workforce and workplace health and safety is an essential part of that process, drawing on the knowledge and expertise of any workforce can play significant dividends in safety, but also efficiency and productivity. That highlights Brian Whittle's point about the inherent benefit, not just the obvious benefit for employees but also for employers in engaging in that fair work agenda. Last year, the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work ran a campaign focused on managing dangerous substances with a strong emphasis on exposure to carcinogenic material, something Bill Kidd, Jamie Halcro Johnston and Stuart McMillan raised as a particular issue. The campaign has seen collaboration across European nations to identify the nature of hazards, how those can be mitigated and to share good practice. That illustrates the importance of working in international cooperation on such matters. I wonder if Jeremy's speech will confirm whether the Government will be supporting Clare Baker's bill, Daniel Johnson's bill and Mr Halcro Johnston's bill. Of course, we will give full consideration to legislation. Any legislation has to be considered on its specifics and it is incumbent on us as an administration to consider that carefully. I give that commitment to Mr Finlay and to every member of the Scottish Parliament. Most of the part that was good to go on to make because we are trying to place this in its international context, given that it is an international day. Most of our domestic workplace health and safety regulation has arisen by the co-operation of member states across the European Union over the last number of decades. We know that the UK Government has apparently set out that it is committed to maintaining existing standards, putting some of those of us who may be cynical about that, putting our cynicism aside and also the reality that Governments change aside. There is a concern that a UK outside the EU runs the risk of being left behind on improving health and safety standards without the ability to share the range and depth of expertise that Membership enables. John Finnie made a very useful point in that regard when he talks about the European-wide trade union activity, which, if successful, may mean that the UK outwith the EU is not part of that process. We also recognise that it was a trade union from its inception that championed health and safety issues. Yes, I have no hesitation in doing so. I do not think that we should just think about it in terms of its inception. That is its on-going role. It is a role that we recognise as a Government, and that is why we are so strongly supportive of the trade union movement and are trying to work with them as partners in continuing to better implement the fair work agenda. Of course, health and safety is a critical element of that. I want to finish on one final point of a May, because it was a useful point made by Stuart McMillan. He referred to the fact that we live in a changing world, a changing economy, which brings opportunities for us, but also many challenges as well. He referred to the changing nature of work, in particular technological change, which will continue to impact on the types of jobs that need to be done and who does them. Our workforce continues to age, so employers need to understand what that means for them and how they can support an older workforce to remain safe, healthy and productive. How we continue to consider the agenda in changed circumstances will be important. We have a good record on workplace health and safety, but it is not, sadly, an unblemished one. As people gather at memorials around the country to mark international workers' memorial day, we should reflect on the journey that has been made to get to this point and the sacrifices that have had to be made on the way in order to learn lessons. Despite our best efforts, there is still no guarantee that any individual can go to work and return home safely at the end of the day. International Workers' Memorial Day reminds us that the work must go on.