Service NL
April 28, 2014
Supporting Health and Safety in the Workplace
National Day of Mourning Commemorates Victims of Workplace Incidents
Today, the Honourable Dan Crummell, Minister of Service NL and Minister Responsible for the Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission (WHSCC), joined families to remember those who have been injured, killed, or who have suffered an illness due to workplace hazards or incidents. A wreath-laying ceremony was held at Confederation Building for the National Day of Mourning, held every April 28, to remember these individuals and to raise awareness of the importance of ensuring safe and healthy workplaces.
“Our hearts go out to victims and their families as we remember those who have been injured, killed or who have suffered an occupational disease. The effects of workplace incidents ripple far beyond those immediately affected and so, as we mourn for victims we must also think of the families and entire communities who have been changed by such incidents.”
- The Honourable Dan Crummell, Minister of Service NL and Minister Responsible for the WHSCC
Thirty workers lost their lives to occupational disease or workplace-related accidents in Newfoundland and Labrador in 2013. Five were lost in work-related accidents and 25 succumbed to occupational disease.
The Occupational Health and Safety Branch of Service NL works closely with the Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission to enhance safety in all types of workplaces throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. By working together, employees, supervisors, employers and government are building a strong safety culture that will continue to reduce workplace injuries, illnesses and deaths.
QUICK FACTS
- April 28 is National Day of Mourning for victims of workplace-related incidents and disease.
- In 2013, over 900 stop work orders issued through Occupational Health and Safety enforcement intervention prevented potential workplace injuries or deaths.
- Over 13,600 directives were issued to identify and correct unsafe work practices and more than 4,800 inspections were carried out in workplaces across the province.
- For the second year in a row, the number of workplace injuries resulting in lost time compensation claims remains at the lowest level ever recorded in Newfoundland and Labrador.
- 30 -
Media contact:
Vanessa Colman-Sadd
Director of Communications
Service NL
709-729-4860, 682-6593
vanessacolmansadd@gov.nl.ca
2014 04 28 1:45 p.m.