Executive Council
April 28, 2015

The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Paul Davis, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador:

Province Recognizes National Day of Mourning

Mr. Speaker, I rise in this Honourable House to recognize that today, April 28, is National Day of Mourning. On this occasion we remember workers who have been killed, injured, or suffered illness due to workplace related hazards and incidents.

I had the honour of participating in a wreath-laying ceremony today at Confederation Building with my colleagues, joining over 100 people who laid a wreath in memory of loved ones or coworkers. I want to take this opportunity to thank the St. John's and District Labour Council for organizing this event.

Mr. Speaker, the Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission recently reported that the number of workplace injuries resulting in lost-time compensation claims has remained, for the third consecutive year, at the lowest level ever recorded in our province. Nevertheless, in 2014, 11 workers died as a result of workplace accidents and 18 from occupational disease. These statistics highlight the need to continue promoting a strong safety culture at work and at home.

Mr. Speaker, the Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission collaborates with the Occupational Health and Safety Branch of Service NL to enhance safety in all types of workplaces throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. Last year, over 12,800 directives were issued to identify and correct unsafe work practices, and more than 4,800 inspections were carried out across the province. This work benefits employees throughout Newfoundland and Labrador and their families, and continues to be a foremost priority for our government.

Mr. Speaker, this day is an important reminder for all of us to be vigilant so we can all go home safe at the end of the work day. Our government has proudly partnered with employers, employees and labour groups to reduce workplace injuries and deaths, and we are committed to building an even stronger culture of safety for the future.

Thank you.

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2015 04 28                              1:45 p.m.