Dear Sisters and Brothers,
April 28th is the National Day of Mourning, observed across Canada and many other countries.
It is the day we remember and honour those who have lost their lives, and those who have been injured and made ill as a result of occupational hazards and diseases. At the same time, we renew our commitment to improving health & safety in the workplace and refocus our energies to prevent further deaths, injuries and diseases at work.
Sadly, the numbers remain staggering. In 2013, 902 workplace deaths were recorded in Canada. This means more than 2.5 deaths every single day.
In the 20-year period from 1993 to 2013, 18,941 people were killed because of unsafe workplaces and work practices (an average of 947 deaths per year). Every death is an absolute failure, like that of our brother, Paul Rochette, who was killed one year ago at the Copper Cliff nickel Smelter in Sudbury, ON. Fines are not enough.
The statistics are incomplete and are just those that are acknowledged and accepted by workers’ compensation boards. They do not include the many workers who are not covered by workers compensation, or those whose claims have been denied, or the incidents that have not even been reported.
Whatever the numbers show, every statistic is unacceptable — because we know that most deaths and injuries are predictable and preventable.
Compared with many other countries, Canada remains a dangerous place for working people. That is why:
Our union will never stop demanding improvements to health and safety regulations and laws, to prevent and reduce injuries and fatalities.
We must ensure that workers receive quality training and have meaningful worker participation in joint health and safety committees.
Marty Warren
USW Director District 6
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