Manitoba designates every April 28 as the Day of Mourning to honour those who lost their lives as a result of workplace illness and injury. Last year, the province lost 21 people due to work-related causes.
« Ensuring workplace safety and health is one of our top priorities, » said Jon Reyes, Minister of Labour and Immigration. « We’re continuing our efforts to make sure all workers in Manitoba get home safely at the end of the day. »
SAFE Workers of Tomorrow held its annual Leaders’ Walk to honour those who have died because of workplace hazards and illnesses. The not-for-profit organization, which educates high school students about workplace safety, has held the annual walk for more than 25 years. The Leaders’ Walk started at the Union Centre and continued down Broadway to Memorial Park, where a ceremony was held at the Workers’ Memorial erected last year.
« At SAFE Work Manitoba and the WCB, we are proud of the role we play in improving workplace safety and health, » said Jamie Hall, Vice President, SAFE Work Manitoba, WCB. « Together with our many safety partners, we are seeing a steady decline in workplace injuries and illnesses. Thanks to SAFE Workers of Tomorrow for organizing this walk and for its ongoing education of young Manitobans about staying safe at work.
The theme of this year’s Day of Mourning, Young and Vulnerable Workers in the Workplace, focuses on getting the safety message out to workers who are most at risk. Peter Reimer, Executive Director of SAFE Workers of Tomorrow, said the day serves as an important reminder of the need for all workers to commit to safety. « As well as honouring those we’ve lost, this day encourages us to strengthen our dedication to protecting ourselves and our colleagues. »
Flags at provincial government buildings and the WCB building will be lowered to half-mast to acknowledge the Day of Mourning.
About SAFE Work Manitoba
SAFE Work Manitoba, a division of the WCB, is a public agency dedicated to the prevention of workplace injury and illness.
For media enquiries:
Andrea Di Ubaldo
Manager, Communications
WCB Manitoba and SAFE Work Manitoba
204-954-4666; 1-855-954-4321, ext. 4666
www.wcb.mb.ca
