Province Observes National Day of Mourning

The flags at Province House are flying at half-mast today to commemorate National Day of Mourning for Persons Killed or Injured in the Workplace.

In the House of Assembly today, Labour Minister Angus MacIsaac will call for a moment of silence to remember Nova Scotians who have been killed or injured at work.

"Workplace health and safety is an issue that involves every Nova Scotian," Mr. MacIsaac said. "It is in everyone's best interest to spread the health and safety message."

Each year in Canada about 1,000 workers are killed on the job, and close to one million workers are injured. Each year in Nova Scotia about 12,000 workplace accidents are recorded.

"It is important to remember that we are not discussing cold statistics, this is about real people," said the minister. "Workplace accidents leave a real emotional and financial impact on Nova Scotians."

Mr. MacIsaac said the new Occupational Safety General Regulations that come into effect on May 1, 2000, are a major step towards reducing workplace accidents. He said the government is serious about health and safety.

"We will continue to consult with the stakeholders, with every Nova Scotian, as we work towards making our workplaces the safest in Canada," Mr. MacIsaac said. "We want employers and employees to become informed about their rights and responsibilities and work together for 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 at 1-800-952-2687 (1-800-9-Labour).