Released on April 25, 2013
Today a moment of silence was observed and the names of 60 people who died as a result of workplace injuries and illnesses last year in Saskatchewan were read into the record at the provincial legislature.
On April 28 Saskatchewan will mark the National Day of Mourning, a day to commemorate individuals who lost their lives due to work-related injuries or illnesses and to support those who have been injured on the job. In 2012, there were approximately 40,000 work-related injuries reported in the province.
“The Day of Mourning is a day for each and every one of us to renew our personal commitment to promoting, creating and maintaining safety in the workplace and at home,” Labour Relations and Workplace Safety Minister Don Morgan said. “I hope that everyone in Saskatchewan can honour the memories of those who died and the suffering of those who were injured by making safety a priority.”
Saskatchewan Workers’ Compensation Board Chairperson David Eberle expressed his sympathy to the families of those who are grieving.
“It is unacceptable that we should lose sixty people in Saskatchewan to workplace injuries and illnesses,” Eberle said. “This is a tragedy. These are husbands, wives, daughters and sons who went to work and didn’t come home. They are why we must keep working toward Mission: Zero.”
The Day of Mourning is formalized by the Canadian Labour Congress, and the names of those who died as a result of a workplace injury or illness are inscribed in its national registry. Flags will fly at half-mast on Parliament Hill and at the Saskatchewan Legislature on Sunday, and vigils will be held in communities throughout the country.
The Ministry of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety, in partnership with the Workers’ Compensation Board aims to prevent work-related illnesses, injuries and deaths through WorkSafe Saskatchewan.
To find out more about the National Day of Mourning or Occupational Health and Safety, visit www.lrws.gov.sk.ca. To find out more about WorkSafe Saskatchewan, visit www.worksafesask.ca.
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For more information, contact:
Jennifer Veri
Labour Relations and Workplace Safety
Regina
Phone: 306-787-1331