Workers who never made it home will be honoured at ceremonies across the country tomorrow, including an unveiling of a new memorial in Kawerau.
Workers' Memorial Day is marked on April 28 by the Rail and Maritime Transport Union (RMTU).
"Workers' Memorial Day is where New Zealanders up and down the country pay tribute to those who lost their life on the job," RMTU general secretary Wayne Butson said.
Every year 50 to 60 people are killed in a work incident and 600 to 900 more die early deaths as a result of work-related ill-health.
"For our members, today takes on special significance. We've lost a lot of mates over the last couple years, from both accidents on the job and from early deaths after exposure to chemicals like asbestos. Today is when we stop to acknowledge their lives and the families they left behind."
"The message on Workers' Memorial Day is especially important this year. Over the last fortnight seven people lost their lives on the job," Mr Butson said.
Events are taking place across the country tomorrow with Wayne Butson helping unveil a new workers' memorial in Kawerau alongside local mayor Malcolm Campbell.
Members of the Pike River families are attending RMTU events on the West Coast at the Union Hotel and in Christchurch at the memorial gardens on Gasson Street.
"No one should clock on at work and never come home. Every working person is entitled to safety at work," Mr Butson said.