A solemn day of reflection and remembrance was recognized this past Monday in Dougall Park in Gibsons.
April 28 was the national Day of Mourning, a day in which we honour the memory of workers who have been killed, injured or suffered illness as a result of work-related incidents.
In 2013, of the 128 work-related deaths in this province, 39 were from traumatic injury, 22 from motor vehicle accidents and 67 from occupational disease, mainly due to exposure to asbestos some decades ago.
Although the number of work-related deaths this past year is down from 2012, in which there were 149, even one life lost on the job and in the workplace is far too many.
Employers and employees have to continue to be diligent with their training, ensuring that their worksites are safe and secure and that the highest standards of safety are being utilized.
No one should leave their home, say good-bye to their loved ones and go to work providing for that family and then not come home at night.
We can only imagine the heartache and sorrow when someone comes knocking on the door with the horrible news that a loved one has perished in a workplace accident.
On Monday, several people from this community shared those memories of loss and sorrow. Everyone at the ceremony, it seemed, had a connection to those who were lost.
This writer, too, has been affected in a profound way. Several years ago when working in Squamish for our sister paper, Squamish Chief, we developed a very close and personal relationship to RCMP Const. Wael Audi. Audi was full of life and exuberance and was a champion for youth programs in Squamish and throughout the Sea-to-Sky corridor, even starting up a weekly youth volleyball program in which teams of local businesses, RCMP officers and youth joined together to play, enjoy camaraderie and fitness. It was a great initiative that garnered support right up to the highest command in Vancouver. In fact, Audi was recognized with an RCMP award for his efforts.
Then, just before Easter in March of 2002, Audi was killed in a traffic accident on Highway 99. He was on duty in an unmarked police vehicle. He slowed down and came to almost a complete stop, had his emergency lights activated in order to make a U-turn to go after a violator. The limo behind Audi came to a stop, but the bus behind the limo did not and instead went around both vehicles as Audi was making his U-turn. The bus collided with Audi’s police vehicle directly on the driver’s side of the vehicle.
It was a senseless and tragic accident that didn’t have to happen.
Our hearts go out to everyone who has experienced a loss due to a workplace accident.
Even one loss is one too many.
