National Day of Mourning for Those Killed on the Job

Labour Minister Russell MacKinnon is urging all Nova Scotians to take some time today to remember those people who have been killed or injured on the job.

This is National Day of Mourning for Persons Killed or Injured in the Workplace. In recognition of that, flags at Province House are flying at half-mast.

Mr. MacKinnon said chances are every Nova Scotian knows someone who has been killed or injured while at work. "Workplace accidents are both an emotional and financial concern that need attention from all of us. Government, employees and employers have to be on the same team if we are going to win the battle to reduce accidents."

So far this year in Nova Scotia, four people have died in workplace accidents; in 1997, 22 people died of injuries sustained in the workplace.

Fourteen people died as a result of injuries in the workplace in 1996. That year, more than 30,500 accidents were reported, and almost 8,000 of those accidents resulted in people losing time from work. Claims to the Workers' Compensation Board amounted to more than $99 million.

(Accident figures and the number of accidents that caused people to lose time in 1997 and so far this year are not available.)

Mr. MacKinnon said the Occupational Health and Safety Division of the Department of Labour has made enormous strides in the past few years to improve service, including a new Occupational Health and Safety Act. But he said a recent review of the division by consultant Ian Plummer points out several steps that can only reinforce this, including more personnel, more training and professional development, and improving communications both internally and with stakeholders.

"We are reviewing Mr. Plummer's recommendations and we'll be acting on them in an effort to make the division more effective," said the minister. "Our commitment is to safe workplaces in the province and we'll do everything we can to live up to this. But we need everyone on our side."

The importance of safe practices in the workplace is recognized throughout North America next month. In an effort to educate more people, North American Occupational Safety and Health Week is being held May 18-24. Canada, the United States and Mexico are working together to promote safe, healthy workplaces. Anyone needing information or support can contact the Occupational Health and Safety Division at 1-800-952-2687 or 1-800-9LABOUR.