Kawartha Lakes observes 2019 National Day of Mourning

April 28, 2019 is the National Day of Mourning and workplaces across Canada will take time to reflect on the lives lost in workplace accidents as well as those who have suffered occupational illnesses and injuries. It is also a day to focus on preventing future tragedies.

A Day of Mourning Ceremony hosted by the Lindsay and District Labour Council and supported by CUPE Local 855 and affiliates will be held on Sunday, April 28 at Victoria Park in Lindsay at 1 pm. All are welcome and encouraged to attend. The event will include a wreath laying ceremony along with light refreshments.

The City encourages all local employers to take a moment between Friday April 26 and Monday April 29 to observe the National Day of Mourning and to take steps to prevent workplace injuries. The flags at City Hall and Municipal Service Centres will be lowered to half-mast from Friday, April 26 to Monday April 29 to honour those who have lost their lives or been impacted by workplace illnesses and injuries.

“We continue to strive towards a positive safety culture within the City of Kawartha Lakes and are mutually committed to improving health and safety conditions within our workplaces,” commented Terry Batley and Oliver Vigelius, Worker and Management Co-Chairs of the City of Kawartha Lakes Main Joint Health and Safety Committee, on behalf of the entire committee.

“We are deeply committed to protecting the health and safety of our employees. The last two years Kawartha Lakes has focused on enhancing our health and safety management system which is designed to ensure the safety of all employees. We strive to empower every municipal employee to recognize workplace hazards and through the support of our leaders, take actions to encourage prevention,” commented Ron Taylor, Chief Administration Officer.

“With over 1000 employees in the summer season, out working on the roads and trails, in arenas and community centres across 200 buildings, staff faces a variety of on-the-job risks. Everyone has a right to return home from work safely each day,” continued Taylor.

For anyone who has been impacted by a workplace fatality, life-altering injury or occupational disease/illness, can reach out to The Association for Workplace Tragedy Family Support, known as Threads of Life. This is a Canadian registered charity dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by workplace tragedy. They provide a network of family members and corporate partners who believe that traumatic workplace injuries, occupational diseases and deaths are preventable.

For more information and supporting materials on the National Day of Mourning visit www.wsibdayofmourning.ca.