The National Day of Mourning, held annually in Canada on April 28, is dedicated to those who have lost their lives, been injured, or suffered illness on the job or due to a workplace tragedy. We at NTPC have suffered those losses.
The most recent statistics from the Association of Workers’ Compensation Boards of Canada tell us that in 2016 there were 905 Workplace deaths recorded in Canada – nearly 2.5 deaths every single day. Among the 905 dead, 6 were young workers aged 15-19 years, and another 20 workers were aged 20-24 years.
Added to these fatalities are the 241,508 claims accepted for lost time due to a work related injury or disease, which includes 7,583 from young workers aged 15 to 19 years.
What these numbers don’t show is just how many people are directly affected by these workplace tragedies. Each worker death impacts the families, friends, and co -workers they leave behind, changing lives forever.
On April 28 the Canadian flag on Parliament Hill will fly at half-mast. Every worker has the right to return home safe and sound at the end of each work day. Please take a moment to remember the dead, injured, or ill on April 28, while also remembering the importance of NTPC’s journey towards safer and healthier workplaces. Today we all make the stand of protecting the living from workplace deaths, injuries, and illnesses. By working together – with employers, workers, and our health & safety partners – we can prevent worker injuries and deaths before they occur.
Note: For those in Yellowknife a ceremony will be held April 28 at noon in the Legislative Assembly building (please wear black to show your support).