WorkplaceNL remembers workers who lost their lives or were injured during National Day of Mourning

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 28, 2021

WorkplaceNL remembers workers who lost their lives or were injured during National Day of Mourning

St. John’s, NL – Every year, on the National Day of Mourning, WorkplaceNL joins all Canadians in remembering those who lost their lives or were injured due to their work.

In 2020, 35 people lost their lives due to their work in Newfoundland and Labrador – 13 due to fatal incidents and 22 due to occupational disease – and many more were injured.

“The National Day of Mourning is a time to remember those who have been injured or who have died in a workplace,” said Bernard Davis, Minister Responsible for WorkplaceNL. “My thoughts are with all of those impacted by workplace injury and death, today and every day. We remain committed to ensuring supports are in place to protect all workers in our province so they can do their jobs safely and return home to their families every day.”

“Losing someone due to a work-related incident brings unimaginable grief to families, workplaces and communities, and serious injuries can have long-lasting impacts,” said Dennis Hogan, CEO, WorkplaceNL. “On the Day of Mourning, WorkplaceNL reaffirms its commitment to helping workplaces prevent work-related injury, illness and death. Serious injuries and awareness of mental health is increasing, and new safe work practices are required during the public health emergency. We must continuously learn and evolve occupational health and safety programs to address new challenges.”

WorkplaceNL usually participates in a wreath laying ceremony to pay respect to the workers we have lost and their families. This year, virtual events are happening across the country to align with public health guidelines.

WorkplaceNL encourages all workplaces and residents to show their support by holding a moment of silence on April 28 and to post a photo to social media with the hashtag #DayofMourning.

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About WorkplaceNL

Serving approximately 215,000 workers and 18,000 employers, WorkplaceNL administers an employer-funded, no-fault workers’ compensation system that promotes safe and healthy workplaces, provides return-to-work programs and offers compensation to injured workers and their dependents.

Media contact:

Carla Riggs, Director of Communications, WorkplaceNL
709.778.1590 or carla.riggs@workplacenl.ca

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