April 28 marks a time to reflect on workers who have tragically lost their lives or faced injuries while on duty.
This year’s theme, “Safe work now!”, underscores the critical need for immediate action to enhance workplace safety.
“Too many workers are still getting injured, falling ill or dying as a result of their job. Work should be getting safer, but the numbers show that’s not happening. One workplace death is already unacceptable. Hundreds of deaths and thousands of injuries and illnesses per year is unconscionable. Workers have a right to a job that doesn’t make them sick and work that gets them home safe to their loved ones every day. Employers and governments must invest in prevention. Workers will not stand by while employers cut corners on health and safety to save a few dollars. It is essential that governments commit to and resource robust enforcement of health and safety regulations. The Westray Law must be properly enforced so that negligent employers are held criminally accountable. A worker’s life is worth more than some paltry fine, and we will not accept that the loss of life of even one person is just the cost of doing business,” said Dan Tobin, President Northumberland Labour Council.
Tobin highlighted the concerning statistics: 65 workers died and nearly 2700 were injured in Ontario in 2022 and across Canada, there were 993 workplace fatalities with 348,747 injuries.
Despite the implementation of the Westray Law two decades ago to hold negligent employers accountable, Tobin says enforcement remains inadequate.
“Decision makers continue to put workers’ safety and well-being at risk by prioritizing business interests. Lives are at stake and we can’t keep waiting: our governments have a responsibility to do everything in their power to ensure workers’ safety. We cannot allow employers’ bottom lines to dictate Canada’s health and safety agenda. The Westray Law must be enforced as it was intended, and employers must be made to comply and keep workers safe,” said Tobin.
Tobin says it’s imperative for governments and employers to prioritize safety measures and ensure that every worker is protected while on the job.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
