The City of Vernon and the City’s Joint Occupational Health & Safety Committee (JOHSC) observed the National Day of Mourning on April 28 outside of City Hall to remember workers who have been injured or lost their lives in the workplace.
JOCHC co-chair Gary Lefevbre emceed the event and welcomed speakers Mayor Akbal Mund, Doug Imrich, (IAFF and Vernon Fire Rescue Service) and Kathy Giampa (CUPE 626). Doug and Kathy both shared personal and powerful words on the impacts of death in the workplace.
In B.C., an average of three workers die each week, 3,200 work injuries are reported every week and 19 workers are permanently disabled every working day. More than 20 years ago, the Canadian Labour Congress declared April 28 a National Day of Mourning for workers who have been killed, or who suffer disease or injury as a result of work. Every year since, unions, employers, labour councils, families and community partners gather by the thousands to mourn for the dead. What began through the efforts of Canada’s labour movement is now observed in more than 100 countries.