In 2009, more than 11,000 New Brunswick workers were hurt on the job, 10 of them fatally. “On April 28, we ask New Brunswickers to remember and honour workers killed, hurt, or afflicted with an occupational disease while at work. And while honouring those workers, April 28 is also an opportunity to stand together and pledge to learn from these tragedies and work harder to reduce them,” says Roberta Dugas, chairperson for WorkSafeNB. “I believe that the best way to pay tribute to those we honour today is to put forth our best efforts in working toward safer and healthier workplaces.”
The 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 Workers’ Compensation Act (Ontario 1914) in Canada. Today, the Day of Mourning is observed in more than 100 countries worldwide.
Once again the New Brunswick Federation of Labour (NBFL) and WorkSafeNB are teaming up to recognize the April 28th event by providing posters to workplaces. Additional copies of the poster are available through WorkSafeNB regional offices and district labour councils.
“We ask that everyone find a meaningful way to mark this year’s Day of Mourning, and continue to improve workplace safety. By doing this you honour the memory of those workers killed and injured every day, not only on the Day of Mourning.”
WorkSafeNB suggests that on April 28 you wear a black ribbon or pin (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 WorkSafeNB website at www.worksafenb.ca.