Released on April 26, 2018
On April 28, Canadians will take a moment to remember workers killed or injured on the job.The National Day of Mourning will be marked as groups hold vigils, light candles, wear armbands and participate in other activities to honour those who died or suffered injuries and illnesses on the job.
In Saskatchewan, 27 people died from workplace-related injuries or illnesses in 2017. The Workers’ Compensation Board recently reported that more than 22,000 people were injured at work in the same year.
“Our deepest condolences to family and friends who have lost a loved one,” Labour Relations and Workplace Safety Minister Don Morgan said. “We need to honour the memories of those we have lost by making health and safety a priority in everything we do.”
“There is no greater reminder for us than today,” Workers' Compensation Board Chairperson Gord Dobrowolsky said. “We must create safe workplaces where lives are never at risk. This is not the responsibility of one, but of us all. We must continue to fight to make every workplace in Saskatchewan safe. We all must work to prevent and eliminate workplace injuries and fatalities.”
Flags will fly at half-mast at the Saskatchewan Legislature and on Parliament Hill. Today, there was a moment of silence in the Legislature and the names of each of the 27 Saskatchewan workers who lost their lives in 2017 were read in tribute.
Day of Mourning vigils will be held in communities throughout the province. A list of events open to the public can be found at www.worksafesask.ca/resources/national-day-of-mourning/.
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For more information, contact:
Jennifer Toews
Labour Relations and Workplace Safety
Regina
Phone: 306-787-1331
Email: jennifer.toews@gov.sk.ca