Supporters gathered at the Coppermill Thames Water site for Workers Memorial Day on Sunday, a day marked around the world to remember those killed at work.

Two workers have died while working in Waltham Forest since 2010, and in light of recently announced cuts to health, safety and environmental protections, speakers at the memorial sent strong messages of opposition.

The memorial took place at the site where GMB member Raymond Holmes died at work on April 20 2010, after being hit by a reversing vehicle. Andrezej Rokita, the other worker to die in the borough since 2012, was killed by falling materials while working at Midland Road, Leyton in March, 2010.

Laura Wyer, Raymond Holmes’ daughter, said: “Every single accident is different and arises through different circumstances, I believe my dad’s accident was preventable if different procedures were in place.”

She added: “Health and safety is almost like an inconvenience to some people but in some jobs where there’s heavy machinery for example it’s absolutely paramount.”

She said some employers will try to cut corners to save money that could result in deaths or serious injuries.

Alfie Perrin, 16, from Enfield, died when he fell from a scaffold in Wanstead on November 14 2012.

Mick Ainslie, GMB Regional Organiser, said: “We attend Workers Memorial Day every year to remember those who have died and been injured at work. Unfortunately it’s something not likely to reduce with government attacks on the Health and Safety Executive.

“Look to Bangladesh to see what happens when employers don’t care for the wellbeing of their employees.

“We want to make sure people return home safe to their families and don’t end up in A&E or worse, a coffin.”

Waltham Forest Trades Council laid a wreath at the entrance to the Thames Water site and left a message reading: “This wreath is to remember Raymond Holmes who lost his life while at work for Thames Water here on 20 April 2010.

“It was placed here by Waltham Forest Trades Council and local trade unionists on Workers Memorial Day, 28 April, a day marked around the world to remember those killed at work and to recognise the preventable nature of most workplace injuries, diseases and deaths.”

According to GMB, 1,500 to 1,600 people are killed at work and 20,000 to 50,000 people die each year in Britain from work-related diseases - about 5,000 from asbestos diseases alone.