Abu Dhabi, Apr 28 (IANS/WAM): All workers deserve the right to be safe at work, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) said Wednesday on the occasion of the International Workers' Memorial Day, while remembering over a hundred workers who lost their lives in 2009.

A total of 108 workers lost their lives in 2009 while at work in Abu Dhabi, out of which 47 died by falling from heights, official statistics said.

There were over 2.7 million workers in the UAE, according to statistics provided by the labour ministry and consul offices, out of which over one million are Indians.

"Recognition of this event will reinforce the importance of good health and safety practices at the work place and raise awareness of the number of people killed, disabled, injured or made unwell through their work.

"All workers deserve the right to be safe at work. So let's keep our workers safe. The international slogan for this day is "Remember the dead - Fight for the Living", Zaid Al Siksek, HAAD chief executive officer, said.

There is a need for prevention of occupational injuries, diseases and fatalities worldwide. It is important to have a safe working environment at all times across all sectors and it is the employers' responsibility to keep their workers safe and healthy, he said.