Released on April 28, 2016
Throughout Saskatchewan and across Canada, individuals, groups and communities will honour fallen workers by holding vigils, lighting candles, wearing armbands or observing a moment of silence. April 28 is the National Day of Mourning, a day to remember workers killed or injured on the job.
In 2015, 32 people died in Saskatchewan from a workplace-related injury or illness. More than 32,000 workplace injuries were reported to the Saskatchewan Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB).
“My deepest condolences go to those affected by workplace injuries,” Labour Relations and Workplace Safety Minister Don Morgan said. “Our thoughts are with you today. The National Day of Mourning reminds us it is everyone’s responsibility to keep workplaces safe and healthy and to ensure everyone makes it home alive.”
"On Day of Mourning, we grieve with the families of people who have lost their lives on the job, and we renew our commitment to Mission: Zero," Workers' Compensation Board Chairperson Gord Dobrowolsky said. "It is tragic that last year we lost 32 Saskatchewan people to workplace injuries and illnesses. I would like to express my sympathy to their families and friends."
Flags will fly at half-mast at the Saskatchewan Legislature and on Parliament Hill, and the names of Canadians who lost their lives as a result of workplace injuries or illnesses will be inscribed in the national registry at the Canadian Labour Congress in Ottawa.
The Ministry of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety has partnered with WCB to create WorkSafe Saskatchewan, a prevention strategy that focuses on workplace illnesses and injuries. Mission: Zero, a WorkSafe Saskatchewan initiative, works toward zero injuries, zero fatalities, and zero suffering by providing education and support to workers and employers.
To learn more about WorkSafe Saskatchewan and Mission: Zero, visit www.worksafesask.ca.
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For more information, contact:
Amanda Fedorchuk
Labour Relations and Workplace Safety
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0279
Email: amanda.fedorchuk@gov.sk.ca
Carolyn Van der Veen
Saskatchewan Workers' Compensation Board
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4386
Email: cvanderveen@wcbsask.com