PROVINCE RECOGNIZES DAY OF MOURNING

April 28 is the National Day of Mourning, a day to honour the men and women who have lost their lives or been injured on the job.

In Saskatchewan, the Day of Mourning will recognize 34 workers killed in workplace fatalities and more than 39,000 workers impacted by workplace injuries.

"My heart goes out to the families, friends and communities whose loved ones have been killed or injured on the job," Advanced Education, Employment and Labour Minister and Minister responsible for the Workers' Compensation Board Rob Norris said. "As we honour these workers, we also take the opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to creating healthy and safe workplaces."

In the last year, the government has demonstrated its commitment to occupational health and safety through increased enforcement and education efforts, a zero tolerance fall protection policy and new safeguards for young workers, among others. Through these efforts the province is striving to bring the number of injuries and fatalities to the only acceptable number - zero.

The Day of Mourning pays tribute to those who died as a result of a workplace injury or illness through the inscription of their names in the Canadian Labour Congress' national registry. As well, names are also read into the official record in the Saskatchewan Legislature and in the Canadian Parliament. To remember and honour these workers, the flags on Parliament Hill and at the Saskatchewan Legislative Building will be flown at half mast and Saskatchewan's legislature will observe a moment of silence.

The Ministry of Advanced Education, Employment and Labour Occupational Health and Safety branch collaborates with the Workers' Compensation Board to prevent work-related illnesses, injuries and deaths through WorkSafe Saskatchewan.

"This is a day when all of us stop in remembrance and think about the terrible consequences of workplace injuries," Saskatchewan Workers' Compensation Board Chair David Eberle said. "We must all - every day - take a leadership role and work toward a Saskatchewan where zero workplace fatalities becomes a reality."

To find out more about Occupational Health and Safety, visit www.aeel.gov.sk.ca/ohs. To find out more about WorkSafe Saskatchewan, visit www.worksafesask.ca.

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For more information, contact:

Bill Stovin
Advanced Education, Employment and Labour
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0926