The flags at Confederation Building have been lowered to half-mast today in recognition of the National Day of Mourning. The day is set aside annually to remember and honour those who lost their lives or were injured due to a workplace tragedy. It also serves as a renewal to the commitment to improve health and safety in the workplace.
Each year, the St. John’s and District Labour Council holds a ceremony in the lobby of Confederation Building to lay wreaths and pay respect to workers who lost their lives. This year, the Council will mark the National Day of Mourning with a virtual candlelight vigil at 12:00 p.m. These online gatherings are happening across the country to align with public health directives that are keeping essential workers safe through the COVID-19 crisis. The Council encourages residents of the province to show solidarity with frontline workers and remember fallen workers by lighting a candle and posting a photo to social media with the hashtag #WorkersDayofMourning and #StopthePandemicAtWork.
In 2019, the lost-time incidence rate due to workplace injury or illness in Newfoundland and Labrador was 1.6 per 100 workers, among the lowest in Canada. Despite this, there were 26 work-related fatalities – 10 accidental and 16 from occupational disease related to exposure to dangerous substances from years ago before improvements to safe work practices and regulations.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, the Provincial Government reminds all residents to continue to practice proper physical distancing and hygiene measures to protect themselves and the many workers providing essential goods and services. Everyone is encouraged to continue to do their part in protecting frontline workers who continue to provide services and supports to all towns and communities.
More information on COVID-19 can be found online at www.gov.nl.ca/covid-19.
Quotes
“Today, as we navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, many workplaces have had to adjust in order to operate safely and within our public health guidelines. It is more important than ever to recognize that we all have a part to play in workplace safety. Promoting safe and sustainable communities is a priority for our government, and we will continue to work with our partners to help ensure workers return home safely at the end of each work day.”
Honourable Dwight Ball
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
“Each year on April 28, the National Day of Mourning recognizes workers and families who have been affected by workplace-related hazards and incidents. It is also a day to recognize employers, employees and organizations across this province who are committed to maintaining and improving workplace safety. We continue to work with these stakeholders to reduce workplace injuries and deaths, as we focus on fostering an even stronger culture of safety for the future.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Service NL
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Media contacts
Jeremy Reynolds
Office of the Premier
709-729-3558
jeremyreynolds@gov.nl.ca
Krista Dalton
Service NL
709-729-4748, 685-6492
kristadalton@gov.nl.ca