International Labour Day remembers the people whose lives have been lost in workplace accidents, but was also used by Unions Tasmania to push for harsher penalties in occupational health and safety laws.

Unions Tasmania secretary Steve Walsh said heavy penalties were needed to prevent workplace deaths and injury.

Eleven people died on the job in Tasmania last year.

''We need to strengthen occupational health and safety laws to make those companies and directors who are negligent liable, and this will send a clear message that they must ensure that workers are safe at work.''

The families of Joshua Dingjan , 24, and Matthew Hudson, 16, attended the ceremony to remember their sons, brothers, family member and friend.

Joshua and Matthew died in forklift workplace accidents.

Mr Dingjan's sister Keisha said the day allowed families to show that workplace deaths should never be forgotten.

''It is something to know that other people are thinking about him as well, and that we aren't alone in this, and that a lot of people miss him,'' she said.

Matthew Hudson's parents Karen and Guy have asked the state government for $150,000 to expand the Workers' Memorial Garden. 

''Be observative, be safe, assess the area, always think safety first, don't take a short cut as that short cut might be the last thing that you will ever do on Earth,'' Mrs Hudson said.