Belco workers yesterday remembered their fallen colleagues with a service at the company's Memorial.

Staff gathered at the Belco Memorial to commemorate the 17 employees who have died in work-related incidents since 1928.

Linda Smith, a senior vice-president and spokeswoman for the company, said: "I think we all know the importance of safety in the workplace. Today is International Day for Safety and Health at Work.

"It is therefore important we give some thought to our everyday working habits, and ensure we are as safety-aware as we can be. On International Safety and Health at Work Day let's make a commitment on behalf of all of us to introduce safety practices every day."

Robin Richardson, Electricity Supply Trade Union vice-president at Belco, paid tribute to former colleagues. "On this day it's important to memorialise those who have passed on. It's important to reach out and think about the families that are left behind," he said.

"Safety is not just a part for management to play, but also the union, and we are very proud to take a stand with management to remember those that didn't go home at the end of the day."

Mr. Richardson then laid a wreath at the Memorial.

A second wreath was laid by William DeSilva, a Senior Vice-President of Belco, with Earlene Offei the mother of Malik Blyden, who died in 2003.

Mrs. Offei, whose son died of burns from an explosion at a Belco substation, said: "I think it's very important to remember this day. I would hate to think Malik died in vain."

Yesterday motorists also turned on their vehicle lights to remember those who have died or been injured in the workplace.

The Advisory Council for Safety and Health asked drivers to support the International Commemoration Day for Dead and Injured Workers by switching on their headlights on their way to work.

Bermuda has observed the International Commemoration Day for the past six years, and churches this weekend will observe a moment of silence to pray for injured and sick workers.