April 28 is National Day of Mourning

No one asks to be killed when they show up for work

EDITOR’S NOTE: This letter was sent to The Expositor in time for publication ahead of the National Day of Mourning but was not received until after press time Monday due to email issues. The Expositor apologizes to Ms. Wade and sends its thoughts out to all those affected by workplace injuries and fatalities.

To the Expositor:

April 28 brings together both past, present and future, integrating the lives of the living with the lives of workers of work place tragedies. It is a very special day, a day to honour and remember all those workers who have been killed or are living with a life-altering injury or occupational disease. The impact of these loses are immense to the families. Their lives are forever changed, never to be the same. No one asks to be on this forever journey.  

As we remember the killed or injured workers on this National Day of Mourning, let us not forget to remember their families as they also live these losses every day. Often, the financial, social and emotional journey for them is devastating. Not always are their injuries or illness obvious to us. We cannot see pain. Pain can affect sleep patterns and the ability to carry out the activities of daily living. Unbeknownst to many is the emotional warfare that takes place; the depression, the indecisiveness, a feeling of helplessness, hopelessness, being misunderstood and a feeling of being very alone. Families can crumble in the wake of workplace tragedies. They need your support and understanding as this journey is through unchartered waters.

Health and safety is everyone’s responsibility. Never underestimate the extreme importance of the near miss, the almost or close calls.