The Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Labour says there were 35 work-related deaths last year in the province. Today is the National Day of Mourning for workers who have died at work or through a work-related illness.

Flags are raised at half-mast at government buildings. In non-pandemic times, wreath-laying ceremonies are held across the country including one at Confederation Building in St. John’s.

Mary Shortall, president of the Federation of Labour, remains concerned about the high number of workers who die each year on the job because of the job.

Over the past six years, 160 workers in the province died at work or from an occupational illness. She’s puzzled at that number of deaths because the province has tough safety laws in place.

Shortall wonders if it’s a lack of enforcement and notes that there is a statutory review of occupational health and safety laws ongoing.

Meanwhile, Workplace NL says of the 35 people who lost their lives, 13 were due to fatal incidents and 22 due to occupational disease. Many more were injured.

The commission says they have to continuously learn and evolve occupational health and safety programs to address new challenges.