On April 28, British Columbia will observe the National Day of Mourning, a day to remember and honour workers who lost their lives due to work-related incidents or occupational diseases. Workplace injuries and illnesses claimed the lives of 181 B.C. workers last year, an increase from 161 in 2021.- Occupational disease was the number one killer of workers in 2022, claiming the lives of 107 workers, with 61 of those deaths resulting from asbestos exposure.
- A total of 48 workers died from a traumatic injury last year, such as falls from elevation, struck by objects, caught in equipment and/or machinery.
- Motor vehicle incidents claimed the lives of 26 workers in 2022.
- Five young workers died in 2022, highlighting the importance of protecting the most vulnerable members of the workforce.
- Workplace injuries and illnesses also resulted in about 4-million lost days of work in 2022.
The National Day of Mourning, which began in Canada in 1984, is now observed in over 100 countries worldwide. It serves as a reminder of the importance of workplace safety and the need to prevent work-related injuries and fatalities.
Many students across the province are taking part in the Day of Mourning B.C. Schools Project. In its eighth year, this year’s theme is “My job, my right to participate.”
In Prince George the ceremonies will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Prince George Workers Memorial at the corner of Patricia Boulevard and Queensway Avenue.