April 28th is the official National Day of Mourning here in Canada.

According to the Association of Workers’ Compensation Boards of Canada, in 2022, 993 workplace fatalities were recorded.   Added to these, there were almost 349-thousand accepted claims for lost time due to a work-related injury or disease.

That was an increase of almost 72-thousand.

Anne Tennier, CEO and President of the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, says workplace safety is a team effort.

“We always say that everyone has a role to play in workplace health and safety and this is also an important component when creating a work place culture of prevention where we are looking at not only our own safety but the safety and wellbeing of our fellow colleagues.”

Tennier says the most vulnerable workers are “new workers” - those that are new to the work force, new to the country, new to a workplace or changing to a new profession or career.

Hear more about the National Day of Mourning and why workplace safety is paramount, catch Thompson Today this afternoon at 12:40 and 5:10.