April 28 marks the National Day of Mourning for workplace-related fatalities.
This year, the theme is “Know your rights; Use the tools; Defend our wins.”
Dave Trumble, vice-president of the Grey-Bruce Labour Council, said this theme is significant because talking about it can make a big difference.
“When employers make it clear to workers that they want them to exercise their rights; the right to refuse, the right to know, the right to participate in health and safety in the work place, then typically workplaces show a very significant improvement in health and safety,” said Trumble.
He added in Canada, there are anywhere between 1,000-1,200 deaths related jobs every year. Some are acute incidents, like electrocutions, or falls.
“If you think about those who have been exposed to hazardous agents in the workplace, or been injured in Ontario alone, we lose about one worker to something workplace related every day,” he said.
But, Trumble said it doesn’t have to come to this, especially if you practice your rights.
“Start the conversation. If you’re new, it’s the perfect way to introduce yourself to the organization and say I think the work you’ve given me is great, but there’s not enough lighting, or the ladder looks rickety, or my harness hasn’t been inspected,” he said.
The theme for this year’s Day of Mourning fits the new and young workers who want to make a good impression in their workplace, according to Trumble.
For anyone looking to support those who have lost their lives and their loved ones on April 28, there are various events happening throughout the area. This includes a ceremony put on by the Grey-Bruce Labour Council on April 28, beginning at 10:30 a.m. in Hanover’s downtown square. The Huron District Labour Council will also hold one in Goderich on April 30, across from the Historic Gaol.
