April 28 – Day of Mourning

WINNIPEG – April 28 is a nationally recognized Day of Mourning, a day to remember those who have died, experienced illness or been injured as a result of their work.

Once again this year, the SAFE Workers of Tomorrow held a Leaders’ Walk that began at the Union Centre on Broadway and progressed to the Manitoba Legislative Building. A media event commemorating the day followed the walk and included participation from over 100 high school students, some of whom related what they expect to have in their workplaces to keep them safe.

“On the Day of Mourning, we remember Manitoba workers who have died or been seriously injured at work. It reminds us that we cannot afford to take safety on the job for granted, and provides an opportunity for each of us to renew our commitment to safety and health in the workplace,” said Nancy Allan, Minister of Labour and Immigration. “The Workers Compensation Board (WCB) and Workplace Safety and Health Division (WSHD) have jointly developed a prevention plan to reduce work-related injuries and fatalities. The plan includes a special focus on young and new workers.”

Young workers are expecting and demanding safe workplaces. “Work shouldn’t hurt,” said Kara Loepp, a St. Norbert Collegiate student participating in the commemorative event. “I want to work in a safe workplace that gives me the training that I need to recognize things that could hurt me.”

Over the past several years, the WCB and WSHD have been working together on the SAFE Work program with employers and workers to develop a number of initiatives aimed at reducing injuries, illnesses and deaths on the job, and to foster a core belief among Manitobans that work-related injuries and illnesses are preventable. The time loss injury rate has decreased by 25 per cent since 2000. Ten new workplace health and safety inspectors will be hired to help further reduce injuries and the WCB has strengthened its SAFE Work Services team.

“Workplace deaths, injuries and illnesses have lasting effects on the workers’ children, spouses, families and communities,” said WCB Chairperson Tom Farrell. “What is most tragic is that workplace deaths and injuries are preventable.”

The WCB recognized the Day of Mourning by lowering its flag to half-mast and observing a  moment of silence.

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