Sadly, many of us have or know of someone who has lost a loved one to a work-related incident. Every year many more workers suffer injury or illness because of working conditions. It’s a difficult reminder of the importance of workplace safety, wellness and security for everyone in the community.
Remembering workers who have lost their lives or been injured on the job is not only respectful it also helps raise awareness of work-related incidents with the hope of preventing more in the future.
April 28 is a national day of mourning honouring the memories of workers who have been injured, suffered an illness or who have been killed as a result of work-related incidents. It’s a day for all of us to take stock of the significance of global workplace injuries and fatalities and show our respect.
The Canadian Labour Congress first recognized the official Day of Mourning in 1984 and it is now honoured by more than 100 countries throughout the world.
Canadians commemorate this special day by observing a moment of silence at various gatherings in communities, wearing ribbons and lighting candles. Nationally, flags are also flown at half-mast.
Local unions, labour councils, families and community partners come together each year to mourn workers and try to prevent more people from being injured or killed through work-related incidents.
Community awareness is also an important part of the day. Community members are welcome to attend official Day of Mourning events, or honour workers in their own way, privately.
Employers and workers are encouraged to educate themselves and others about health and safety on the job and take measures to enhance training and prevention along with assessment of workplace hazards and safety issues.
In Vancouver WorkSafeBC, the BC Federation of Labour and the Business Council of British Columbia will co-host a public ceremony to honour the Day of Mourning, on Tuesday, April 28th at Vancouver Convention Centre’s Jack Poole Plaza at 10:30am.
Locally, The Sunshine Coast Labour Council is holding a memorial at 11 a.m. in Dougall Park in Gibsons.
For more information about the Day of Mourning and events in other cities visit dayofmourning.bc.ca.
