News Release Archive
LABOUR--NATIONAL DAY OF MOURNING ----------------------------------------------------------------- The flags at Province House will be lowered on Sunday, in recognition of National Day of Mourning for Persons Killed or Injured in the Workplace. In the House of Assembly today, Premier John Savage called for a moment of silence to remember Nova Scotians who have been killed or injured at work. In Canada, approximately 1,000 workers are killed on the job each year, and close to 1 million workers are injured. Each year in Nova Scotia, about 12,500 workplace injuries are recorded. "We must work together to change these statistics," said Labour Minister Guy Brown. "Regardless of where you work, health and safety must be everyone's concern -- from management right on down the line. When it is, everyone benefits -- workers, families, employers and the entire economy of our province." Mr. Brown was in Newfoundland today, attending a meeting of the Atlantic ministers of labour to discuss worker safety, workers' compensation and other job-related topics. One of the topics for discussion is Nova Scotia's new Occupational Health and Safety Act -- which is now being debated in the provincial legislature. "This government is committed to making Nova Scotia a safe, attractive place for employees to work and for employers to set up shop. The new OHS Act is an important step toward that goal. We are also committed to building partnerships with Nova Scotians for a safer and healthier province." Over the past year, the department has worked with employers and employees in the construction industry, film industry, forest industry, and oil delivery industry on various initiatives for safety. Government is also teaming up with industry for workplace safety training. For example, the Nova Scotia Construction Safety Association and the departments of Transportation and Public Works and Labour have collaborated on a training and certification program to increase safety on Nova Scotia's construction sites. Construction firms must now have (or be actively working towards) a certificate of recognition in order to bid on government-funded construction projects. The minister encouraged all Nova Scotians to get involved in workplace health and safety. "Employers and employees should become informed about their rights and responsibilities and work together for safety. "On Sunday, we should all look back and remember those people who have been killed or injured in our workplaces. And on Monday morning when we return to work, we should look ahead and take action to improve health and safety." The Department of Labour's occupational health and safety division is committed to helping employers and employees improve health and safety on the job. Anyone who needs information or support, should call the division toll-free 1-800-952-2687 (1-800-9-Labour). -30- Contact: Jennifer MacIsaac 902-424-4680 or 902-424-3219 trp Apr. 26, 1996 - 3:40 p.m.