Events will be held across the country to commemorate workplace deaths
April 28 is the National Day of Mourning to commemorate workers who have been killed, injured or sustained an illness as a result of work.
The Canadian Labour Congress declared April 28 as a day of remembrance for those who had died or been injured on the job in 1984, according to WorkSafeBC.
It was officially recognized by the federal government in 1991. It has spread to about 100 countries around the world, according to Ontario’s Public Services Health and Safety Association.
On the Day of Mourning typically, the Canadian flag on Parliament Hill is flown at half-mast, and workers and employees observe the day in various ways including wearing ribbons, lighting candles, and observing moments of silence, according to WorkSafeBC.
Across the country, there are ceremonies and events planned to mark the day.
In 2011, more than 10,500 New Brunswick workers were hurt on the job, four of them fatally. Another five died from previous years’ injuries or disease. So far in 2012, one worker has been killed on the job, according to WorkSafeNB.
“On Saturday, April 28, won’t you join us and reflect on those workers who have suffered injury or death while simply trying to earn a living,” said Sharon Tucker, chairperson for WorkSafeNB. “Let us pay tribute to those workers and re-evaluate and renew our personal commitments to safety at work, at home and in our communities. On April 28, let us stand together and pledge to learn from these tragedies and work harder so that they never happen again.”
Ontario’s Workplace Safety and Insurance (WSIB) is encouraging all individuals to visit its website to light a virtual candle to commemorate the National Day of Mourning, which is observed each year on April 28.
“By lighting a virtual candle, Ontarians and Canadians of all ages can unite in helping us pay tribute to a loved one or friend who has been killed on the job or suffered a workplace injury or illness,” WSIB chair Steven Mahoney said. “For those who have suffered a loss, my thoughts and prayers go out to you.”
Some of the events taking place across the country:
British Columbia:
Manitoba:
http://safemanitoba.com/DOM_news.aspx
Ontario:
http://www.whsc.on.ca/pdfs/DOM12_EventListing_WebApr2.pdf
New Brunswick:
http://www.worksafenb.ca/docs/PrDoM2012_e.pdf
Prince Edward Island:
http://www.wcb.pe.ca/Information/NewsItem/134
From the Canadian Labour Congress:
http://www.canadianlabour.ca/news-room/related-issues/event/325
