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.
“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.”
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 28 event by providing posters to workplaces. Additional copies of the poster are available through WorkSafeNB regional offices and district labour councils, Tucker said.
“We ask that everyone find a meaningful way to mark this year’s Day of Mourning, and continue to improve workplace safety.”
Because April 28 falls on a Saturday, WorkSafeNB suggests that on April 27 you wear a black ribbon or pin (available in many workplaces) or take part in a flag lowering ceremony at your workplace. You are then encouraged to attend one of the Day of Mourning 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.