Photo courtesy Grande Prairie and Area Safe Communities

By Jeff Henson

NATIONAL DAY OF MOURNING

Safety City to host local events as part of National Day of Mourning

Apr 26, 2022 | 12:22 PM

Thursday, April 28th is the National Day of Mourning, to remember those who have died or were injured while at work.

For the past few years, Grande Prairie and area Safe Communities have taken the lead in organizing local activities surrounding that day.

Executive Director Cindy Blinston says it will be highlighted by a memorial ceremony, starting at 10:45 at Safety City.

“The ceremony is a remembrance of those who lost their lives due to workplace injury or illness. We also at that same time remember that there are many injuries that do not result in fatalities but also affect people’s daily lives long-term. So all of those are being honoured at the ceremony.”

The ceremony will be followed by a Safety Matters presentation at 12 noon, featuring Spencer Beach, who was seriously injured in a flash fire while working as a flooring installer.

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That presentation will also take place at Safety City.

Blinston feels it is important to take the time to recognize this day.

“With each worker tragedy, there are loved ones, family members, friends, co-workers, and just the general community that are directly affected and impacted by these lives that are lost.”

“By remembering the fact that this happened, we can remember that many of these things are preventable as well and take a little bit of time to reflect on what our part is.”

In 2021, 178 Albertans lost their lives while at work.

Blinston says one area that they need to work on is safety among younger workers.

“There is still a significant number of youth that are affected in workplace injuries and fatalities. ”

“In 2019, there was 29 youth between the ages of 15 and 24 that lost lives in the workplace in Canada. And over 33,000 that were injured in the workplace in that age group.”