Safety must always be our top priority: Mayor Scott

April 28, 2019, is the National Day of Mourning when Canadians remember those who passed away due to injury or illness suffered at work. According to the Workers Compensation Board of Alberta, 162 men and women lost their lives due in workplace incidents in 2018. Image supplied by Workers Compensation Board of Alberta.

April 28 is the National Day of Mourning.

Canadians will pause to remember those who lost their lives due to injury or illness suffered on the job.

In a statement, Mayor Don Scott spoke about the importance of workplace safety.

“On April 28, we remember those who have lost their lives at work and have been injured on the job. To their families and friends, we send our sincere condolences.”

Mayor Scott added to truly honour those who passed, residents and workers must learn from those experiences.

“We have a responsibility to ensure safety in the workplace and, at both a personal and professional level, we must commit to the health, safety and well-being of all workers in the region. The National Day of Mourning reminds us all that safety must always be our top priority.”

According to the Workers’ Compensation Board of Alberta, 162 men and women passed away due to workplace injury or illness in Alberta in 2018.

Syncrude will also pay homage to those who died or suffered injuries while at work.

Syncrude representative, Will Gibson, said they would lower the flags to half mast on site and address workers directly about safety.

“We observe this event because we’re committed to the safety of the workers on our sites. Recognizing this day reflects the priority we place on making sure workers go home safe at the end of their shifts.”

The federal government passed the Workers Mourning Day Act marking April 28 as the national day of mourning in 1991.