In 2007, more than 11,800 New Brunswick workers were injured on the job, eight of them fatally. Still others suffered occupational disease. “On April 28, the National Day of Mourning, we ask New Brunswickers to remember those workers who lost limb or life or who became ill at their workplace. And while honouring those workers, we ask also that you renew your commitment to workplace safety,” says Roberta Dugas, chairperson of the WHSCC. “Because a commitment to safety is a commitment to life.”
The National Day of Mourning was first observed in Canada in 1984. April 28 was chosen as the day of remembrance because it was the day the third reading took place for the first comprehensive Worker’s Compensation Act (Ontario 1914) in Canada. Today, the Day of Mourning is observed in more than 100 countries worldwide.
“The Day of Mourning represents a call to action – to protect the memory of all those killed or injured through workplace accidents or disease. It is also a call to action to protect all those other workers – your employees, your co-workers, so they go home safely at the end of each day,” says Doug Stanley, president and CEO of the WHSCC. “The WHSCC responds to this call each and every day, by providing comprehensive injury prevention programs and enforcing the Occupational Health and Safety Act.”
The Day of Mourning has special significance for the WHSCC this year. In December 2007 they lost their longest serving board member, John Mahar, to an accident at his workplace.
The WHSCC encourages everyone to find a significant way to mark this important day. On April 28, wear a black ribbon (available in many workplaces); take part in flag lowering at your workplace; or attend ceremonies being held at various locations around the province. Pay tribute to those present and those lost in New Brunswick workplaces with a moment’s silence. For more information on Day of Mourning activities, visit the WHSCC website at www.whscc.nb.ca