This National Day of Mourning is an opportunity for workers, employers, families and others, to renew their commitment to healthy and safe workplaces. Newfoundlanders and Labradorians have a fundamental right to safe, incident-free work environments, so they can return home safely to their families at end of every working day.
During the past five years, 140 workers in this province lost their lives as result of workplace incidents and occupational disease.
Flags at all Provincial Government buildings throughout Newfoundland and Labrador are lowered at half-mast today, to remember workers who have died, been injured or suffered illness in the workplace.
On April 28 of each year, remembrance ceremonies are held across the country. At 12:00 pm today, the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Labour will host an event at the Fluvarium in St. John’s honoring workers.
This event will be attended by the Honourable Sarah Stoodley, Minister of Digital Government and Service NL, and Minister Responsible for Occupational Health and Safety, and the Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, and Minister Responsible for WorkplaceNL.
Quotes
“When it comes to health and safety, there are no compromises. It is the collective responsibility of government, employers and employees to ensure that all workers return home safe and healthy at the end of every workday. By remembering lost lives, life changing injuries and illnesses on this Day of Mourning, we honour those who are directly and indirectly impacted. I encourage all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to renew their commitment to occupational health and safety, today and every day.”
Honourable Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
“No matter what your occupation, workplace health and safety is a right, and for employers and employees it should always be top of mind. Today as we remember those who have lost their lives, been injured or have suffered illness in our province’s workplaces, we also acknowledge their families, friends and co-workers who will be forever impacted. Newfoundland and Labrador’s occupational health and safety legislation is some of the most progressive in the country, and we will continue to work with our stakeholders to make workplace health and safety a priority.”
Honourable Sarah Stoodley
Minister of Digital Government and Service NL
Minister Responsible for Occupational Health and Safety
“As a province, today is a time to remember those who were injured, suffered illness or have died due to their work. My thoughts are with all those who have been impacted by workplace injury, illness or death. We are committed to ensuring our occupational health and safety programs and supports are continually evolving to meet the ever-changing needs of workplaces, in order to protect workers and prevent further workplace tragedies.”
Honourable Bernard Davis
Minister of Environment and Climate Change
Minister Responsible for WorkplaceNL
-30-
Learn More
Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS)
Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Labour
Follow us on Twitter @GovNL, @DGS_GovNL and @ECCM_GovNL
Like us on Facebook
Media contacts
Meghan McCabe
Office of the Premier
709-729-3960
meghanmccabe@gov.nl.ca
Krista Dalton
Digital Government and Service NL
729-4748, 685-6492
kristadalton@gov.nl.ca
Lynn Robinson
Environment and Climate Change
729-5449, 691-9466
lynnrobinson@gov.nl.ca