The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health & Safety has declared April 28 as National Day of Mourning: Remembering lives lost or injured in the workplace. Numbers tell the story. In 2013, 902 workplace deaths were recorded in Canada. While it’s the lowest total since 2000, when 882 fatalities were recorded, this number still represents 2.47 deaths every single day. In the 21-year period from 1993 to 2013, 18,941 people lost their lives due to work-related causes (an average of 902 deaths per year). The Canadian flag on Parliament Hill will fly at half-mast. Workers will light candles, don ribbons and black armbands and observe moments of silence. Businesses are asked to participate by declaring April 28 a Day of Mourning and to strive to prevent workplace deaths, illnesses and injuries. Be Prepared! Get trained!

Yvonne Harder
www.eastmansafety.ca