Editor:
On Saturday, April 28, I attended the National Day of Mourning ceremony at the Seaside Centre in Sechelt. Thank you to the mayor, the council and especially Alice Lutes for the respectful plaque and wreaths placed at Spirit Square. Thank you also to the Sunshine Coast Labour Council for putting on an event not only remembering those who died on the job but to bring safety awareness to all workers. I was very moved by the stories of individuals who stood up to speak of loved ones who went to work and didn’t come home. And, I was very, very angry with myself for not getting up to tell the story of my loved one, too. I came home, brooded over it for several days and decided I had to write this letter.
My husband Russell was a good man, working hard for his family, his community and his employer. He worked at the same place for almost four decades and retired early because of declining health. By the time he found out why he was so ill, it was too late. He died in his own bed, surrounded by those who loved him, on Father’s Day 2015. Although he did not die at his workplace, I strongly believe he died because of it.
The dangers of the workplace are not always easily seen. Exposure to chemicals like chlorine, benzene and asbestos can have long-lasting and even deadly health results. There needs to be more awareness, more safety training, more precautions taken and more respect for chemicals that can change a life forever. Industries that use these chemicals need to take ownership of ensuring that their employees are aware of the dangers and get the proper training to protect themselves. It is their responsibility as employers to make sure their worksite is safe. And workers need to be their own health advocates. See your doctor regularly, get checked for specific diseases related to your workplace if you don’t feel well, keep health records, and above all, work with safety and awareness.
Nothing will bring back those who have died but furthering awareness about workplace safety will help others in making sure that they come home to their families at the end of each and every workday.
Carol MacLeod, Davis Bay
