Eight workers have lost their lives at work sites in the past 12 months and Unions Tasmania secretary Kevin Harkins said more needed to be done to protect lives on the job.

``We've also asked that Premier [Will] Hodgman comes forward and gives a commitment not to undermine the workplace health and safety laws we've currently got in place,'' he said.

``In my view, there are plenty of holes in those laws that we need to look at fixing over the next few years.''

A small crowd gathered outside Aurora Stadium at Invermay yesterday morning to remember those who have died due to workplace accidents, with a wreath laid for Launceston's Joshua Dingjan, who was killed in a forklift accident in November.

Australian Manufacturing Workplace Union secretary John Short said the grief surrounding workplace deaths was overwhelming for those involved.

``The message is that there are far too many people affected by workplace deaths,'' Mr Short said.

``Far too many people who go to work, and leave their families and loved ones and friends, never return.

``Every one of those people who has died at work has had an effect on everyone they know.

 ``It's a tragic waste. You can't foresee and can't prevent it,'' he said.