Day of Mourning Ceremony Remembers 23 Workers

In 2005, 23 Nova Scotians died as a result of work-related injury and illness.

Environment and Labour Minister Carolyn Bolivar-Getson joined the president of the Nova Scotia Federation of Labour, Rick Clarke, at the annual Day of Mourning ceremony at Province House today, April 28.

Every year on this date, government and labour leaders remember workers killed or injured on the job and renew their commitment to making Nova Scotia an accident-free province.

"Today we mourn," said Ms. Bolivar-Getson. "But today we also, reaffirm our commitment to preventing work-related injury and illness. And on each day that follows, we must collectively step up our workplace efforts in identifying hazards and eliminating risks to our most valuable asset -- our people."

This year's victims come from communities across the province and from all kinds of occupations -- manufacturing, transportation, construction, the fishery, and the provincial government.

Ms. Bolivar-Getson said no workplace is immune from injury or death.

"All occupations have a degree of risk. That's why we must always keep workplace health and safety top of mind by continually identifying hazards in the workplace and by eliminating the risk."

"From the statistics before us, it is clear that we have much more to do if we are to truly reduce pain and suffering from workplace accidents and illness," said Rick Clarke, president of the Nova Scotia Federation of Labour.

"Today, as we mourn for the victims, business, labour and government must take up the challenge, commitment and responsibility, to fight for the living and provide them with healthy and safe workplaces. The workers of today and tomorrow depend on us to ensure that every measure is taken; every resource provided and every authority given or put in place to enable them to return home at the end of the day safe and healthy. They deserve nothing less."

According to Workers' Compensation Board statistics, in 2005, more than 90 Nova Scotians were injured on the job each day. In total, that is 34,000 injured Nova Scotians. More than 9,000 people were so badly injured that they missed at least a day's work.

During the ceremony, Ms. Bolivar-Getson called on employers and employees to intensify their health and safety practices and to renew their commitment to reducing workplace injury and illness.

For an example of government doing its part, Ms. Bolivar-Getson committed the department to develop a process to address the violence in the workplace issue.

Four years ago, a native Nova Scotia red maple tree and plaque were placed on the grounds of Province House to honour the memory of those who lost their lives on the job, and to reaffirm government and labour's joint commitment to preventing work- related injury and illness.

For information on workplace health and safety see the Workplace Safety and Insurance System site at www.wsis.ns.ca or the Work Safe for Life site at www.worksafeforlife.ca or call 1-800-952-2687.