RNC investigators are now training to better respond to workplace accidents and fatalities.

Twenty-six miners were killed at the Westray mine in Nova Scotia in 1992 in a methane gas explosion; a workplace tragedy that was preventable and served to bring about changes to the criminal code known as the Westray Act.

Federation of Labour president Mary Shortall says the RNC are making great strides to ensure that such cases are properly handled.

She says the Federation of Labour spoke with RNC Chief Joe Boland about the seriousness of workplace accidents and fatalities.

In a given year there are around 1,000 workers across the country killed at work. Last year, 36 workers died in this province.

Shortall says the training is about being up to date on the changes to the criminal code involving such incidents, and knowing to approach the scene of a workplace accident as a crime scene under investigation.

Mary Shortall spoke on the VOCM Morning Show. Listen below: