Every year workers across Canada observe a minute of silence on April 28th to commemorate those who have lost their lives as a result of work-related accidents or occupational diseases. This year the 28th falls on a Saturday, a day most postal workers have as a regular day off, so we are asking that the minute of silence be observed on Friday, April 27th. There will also be a ceremony April 28th at 11:00 a.m. at the New Westminster Quay. (Click here for details).
Year after year workers continue to die simply because they come to work. We work in a country where years of “cutting red tape” to “create a business friendly environment” mean profits continue to trump safety. Too many workplaces are not as safe as they could be.
This past year tragedy touched our local once again. This past week a second BC sawmill exploded resulting in the deaths of two more workers. The latest figures available on WorkSafeBC’s website show 185 total deaths occurring in 2010 and reported by March 31, 2011.
During the minute of silence, we will send thoughts of heartfelt condolences to the fallen and their families. We should also use this minute to contemplate what we as workers can do to force our employers, our provincial and our federal governments to take our health and safety more seriously.