April 28, 2009

Safety

Day of Mourning light must shine brighter in Ontario

VINCE VERSACE

staff writer

The light of hope cast on improved workplace safety by today’s 25th anniversary events for the Day of Mourning still needs to shine longer and brighter, say industry representatives.

“2009 is a time for us to up the ante in prevention measures and ensure that workers are better protected on jobsites in Ontario,” says Mike Gallagher, business manager of Local 793 of the International Union of Operating Engineers. “There’s no excuse for the number of fatalities we still have on construction sites.”

Of the 78 workplace fatalities in Ontario last year 19 occurred on construction job sites. The victims ranged in age from 22 to 61.

“Government, contractors and the industry must raise the bar and focus on accident prevention and early detection of occupational diseases, as well as increase resources aimed at protecting the health and safety of workers,” adds Gallagher.

To commemorate today, visitors to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) office, 200 Front St. W., can light a virtual candle at its interactive Living Tribute or online by visiting www.prevent-it.ca. A special Day of Mourning Facebook page has been created and will be available until April 29 for anyone to read and post memorial messages. Also, the CN Tower will be illuminated in yellow tonight to honour injured and fallen workers.

“We have to remember that by the very nature of the work that we do, it is very dangerous and that we all have to remain vigilant about safety,” says David Zurawel, vice-president, policy and government relations, Council of Ontario Construction Associations.

“We have made tremendous strides in safety and on the Day of Mourning, it is a time to come together and reflect.”

The Day of Mourning originated in Canada and was first observed on April 28, 1984. Today, Day of Mourning ceremonies take place in more than 80 countries worldwide and at the United Nations in New York City.

Today’s events are sombre reminders that workplace deaths are a reality and that more can always be done to improve safety.

“The Day of Mourning delivers a strong message but that message could be stronger,” says Roy O’Rourke, general manager of the Construction Safety Association of Ontario (CSAO).

“Remembering those who die in workplace accidents is extremely important and I do not think construction does enough to recognize the men and women who die in their industry at work.”

O’Rourke says he has always supported the idea of a memorial day for construction workers who are fatally injured on the job. Added to all the progressive safety measures the industry uses, it helps keep safety front of mind.

The CSAO reminds members of the construction community to not only honour its workers who died doing their jobs but also to learn from them.

Jason Ottey, director of research and policy at the Residential Construction Council of Central Ontario, says events such as the Day of Mourning are also important because they help educate both current and future workers.

“Anything that brings front-and-centre the importance of health and safety and what a vital element it is is important,” says Ottey.

WSIB’s Road to Zero campaign, designed to eliminate workplace fatalities and injuries, has come under fire in the past from various sectors. However, days like the Day of Mourning remind us that the end goal of that campaign is not necessarily the most important thing, Ottey believes.

“Improving workplace safety requires a cultural change,” says Ottey. “With the Road to Zero, we will extract more value from the process. The road on the way there tells us more than just focusing on one goal.”

19 DEATHS FROM INJURY

2008 saw 19 Ontario construction workers die from injuries. More than half died from falls.

Data from the Ontario Ministry of Labour from January 1 to December 31, 2008. Does not include deaths from disease.

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