A MEMORIAL to honour people killed or injured in the course of their work has been unveiled at Glasgow Green.

The ceremony was held 43 years after a gas explosion at Clarkston Toll shopping centre, which killed 21 and injured more than 100.

The tragedy on October 21, 1971 followed a build-up of gas caused by a leak.

Victims included many female shop staff and housewives on shopping trips as well as passengers on a bus passing the scene

Glasgow City Council and the STUC commissioned the memorial. Its aim is to highlight the preventable nature of most workplace accidents and to support campaigns promoting improvements in workplace safety.

The memorial, which has a black and purple theme to reflect the colours associated with International Workers' Memorial Day, was chosen from ideas put forward by Glasgow secondary pupils.

Deputy Lord Provost Gerry Leonard said: "This is an opportunity to highlight and support the campaigns working to achieve safer workplaces and to remember those killed, disabled or injured.

"This should be a memorial where families can come not just on International Workers' Memorial Day but at significant anniversaries to remember those who can't be there to share these memories.

"The consequences of workplace tragedies cause massive grief and personal heartache to the families who lose loved ones and life-changing consequences for those who were injured."

Grahame Smith, STUC general secretary, said trade union health and safety representatives make a massive difference in workplaces around the world.

He added: "Some employers continue to ignore their responsibilities and unfortunately their workers pay the cost of that negligence - sometimes with their lives and very often with serious physical or psychological damage.

"Thanks to Glasgow City Council we have a memorial to be proud of and a fitting focus for annual commemorations to remember those who lost their lives as a result of work and commit to continuing to campaign for improved health and safety in our workplaces.

"Along with the council we would welcome further donations as we look to develop an exhibition so we can take a positive health and safety message into Glasgow's schools.

"It is important we reach young people as many of them are inexperienced once they enter the workplace and are still training."

vivienne.nicoll@ eveningtimes.co.uk