April 28 is the Day of Mourning; a day we remember & honour workers killed and injured on the job.
According to the Yukon Worker’s Compensation Health and Safety Board, 5 workers were killed on the job in 2014. Since 1984, 58 Yukoners have lost their lives at work. These workers were mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, sons, daughters, friends, and loved ones who died because they were trying to earn a living. Work shouldn’t hurt.
It’s not just workers being killed in jobsite accidents. People develop diseases after years of exposure to harsh chemicals and dangerous substances. Asbestos exposure is one of the main causes of diseases developed by workers. According to Workers’ Compensation Boards from around Canada, asbestos was responsible for 41% of all workplace fatalities in 2013.
You have the right to refuse unsafe work. You have the right to know what substances you are working with and the right to take an active role in keeping your workplace safe. Use your rights to help make workplaces safer and reduce exposure and risk for everyone. The PSAC Health & Safety Committee meets monthly and welcomes all members of YEU & PSAC. Contact the PSAC at 667-2331 to learn more.
On April 28 we come together to remember our brothers and sisters who did not make it home from work. We renew our commitment to safe and healthy workplaces. When you go to work in the morning, you should come home safe and healthy at the end of the day. We need to remember to be watchful and vigilant all year, & not just April 28th when we renew our commitment to all workers.
Please join the annual Day of Mourning Ceremony, Tuesday April 28 2015 at 12:30 pm in the Yukon Government Main Administration Building Lobby. Together we will keep each other safe.
Each black candle represents a Yukon worker who died on the job in 2014.