WINNIPEG - April 28 is a national Day of Mourning, a day to remember those who have been killed or seriously injured at work. It’s a day to remember tragedies that need not happen.
The day was commemorated with a Leader’s Walk starting from the Union Centre Building, progressing down Broadway to the legislative building.
“In Manitoba, more than 40,000 people reported work related injuries and 24 people died on the job in 2003,” said Minister of Labour and Immigration Nancy Allan. "These figures are unacceptable when you consider that injuries are preventable.”
“It’s crucial that our young people become aware of workplace health and safety before they enter the workforce,” said Education, Citizenship and Youth Minister Peter Bjornson. “With education, young people will realize how important safety and health training is as they start work.”
The Workplace Health and Safety Act requires employers to provide safety and health training for workers.
An event focusing on the safety and health of young workers was held at the legislative building after the Leader’s Walk. One-hundred and fifty students representing the SAFE Workers of Tomorrow Safety Centre sat down one at a time every nine seconds during the event. “Those nine seconds represent how often a worker is hurt in Canada,” said student representative Michelle Tarnopolski.
The WCB and the Workplace Health and Safety Division are partnering to build a culture of safety and health in Manitoba, with a goal of reducing the time loss injury rate by 25% over five years. WCB Chairperson Wally Fox-Decent unveiled a new SAFE Work television ad aimed at preventing workplace injuries by making young workers aware of the importance of workplace health and safety as they enter the workforce.
“April 28th is not only a day to remember those who have died or been seriously injured at work, it is also a day for strengthening our commitment to workplace safety and education,” said Fox-Decent. “We need to work together to foster a culture of safety to prevent workplace deaths and injuries from happening in the first place.”
The Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba recognized the Day of Mourning on April 28th by lowering its flag to half-mast and observing a moment of silence at 11:00 a.m.
Contact:
Warren Preece Colin Lemoine
Director of Communications Cabinet Communications
WCB Manitoba (204) 945-1494
(204) 954-4113
1 800 362-3340
Email: wcb@wcb.mb.ca
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