PROVINCE RECOGNIZES DAY OF MOURNING

April 28 is the National Day of Mourning, a time for Saskatchewan people to honour those who have lost their lives or suffered from injuries on-the-job.

"This year we recognize 31 Saskatchewan people who lost their lives to their work, and more than 40,000 workers who reported injuries on-the-job," Advanced Education, Employment and Labour Minister and Minister responsible for the Workers' Compensation Board Rob Norris said. "We share our sympathies with the families and friends of workers killed or injured, and make a firm commitment to creating healthy and safe workplaces."

The Day of Mourning is formalized by the Canadian Labour Congress, and the names of those killed while working are inscribed in its national registry. The names are also read into the official record in the Saskatchewan Legislature and in the Canadian Parliament. To honour workers killed or injured, the Canadian Flag on Parliament Hill and the flags at the Saskatchewan Legislative Building will be flown at half mast. Saskatchewan's legislature will also observe a moment of silence.

The Ministry of Advanced Education, Employment and Labour (AEEL) works with the Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) to prevent work-related illnesses, injuries and deaths through WorkSafe Saskatchewan.

"This is a day to remember that every fatality is one too many, and every injury is one too many," WCB Board Chair David Eberle said.

AEEL also works to reduce the number of injuries and fatalities on farms in Saskatchewan. There is an average of 14 fatalities and 250 hospitalizations in farming each year.

"The death and injury of workers in Saskatchewan is a tragedy that affects all people in this province," Norris said. "Let us all work together in 2009 to embrace health and safety in our hearts and minds, and make getting home safely the most important part of our workday."

To find out more about working safely in Saskatchewan, visit www.worksafesask.ca.

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For more information, contact:

Donna-Rae Crooks
Advanced Education, Employment and Labour
Regina
Phone: 306-787-3716
Email: donna-rae.crooks@gov.sk.ca

Heather Becker
Workers' Compensation Board
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4651
Email: hbecker@wcbsask.com