Today marks the National Day of Mourning for workers killed or injured on the job.
140 workers in Newfoundland and Labrador have lost their lives as the result of workplace incidents or work-related diseases over the last five years.
Last year 18 people lost their lives because of their work. Three from fatal incidents and 15 from occupational disease.
Flags at all provincial government buildings throughout NL have been lowered to half-mast.
The Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Labour is holding an event at the Fluvarium in St. John’s, with Workplace NL making their annual news release to highlight 2021 workplace fatalities in the morning. Minister of Labour, Bernard Davis, NL Federation of Labour VP Sherry Hillier, and OHS representative for the United Steelworkers Union Local 9316, Perry Feltham, will be attending the event which starts at noon today. Labour President Mary Shortall will be attending the Day of Mourning event in Labrador West.
Meanwhile, the annual Steps for Life walking event, which supports families affected by workplace accidents, will be taking place virtually on Facebook this Sunday, May 1 between 7 and 9 p.m.
