Safety – Page 3 – Construction Industry Training Network

DayOfMourning

On April 28, Canada will recognize the National Day of Mourning, which honours the memory of workers who have been killed, injured or become ill as a result of work-related accidents. Established in 1984 by the Canadian Labour Congress and officially named as a national day in 1991, the day is marked by ceremonies across B.C., flags flown at half mast, and the observation of moments of silence throughout the day.

Last year in B.C., 122 people were killed on the job, and workplace injury or illness resulted in almost 2.6 million lost days of work. This year, speakers at the various events will include family members of those who have passed away, and workers injured on the job. For more information about the Day of Mourning and a list of ceremonies, visit www.dayofmourning.bc.ca.

Young workers, especially those new on the job, are statistically more likely to get hurt. WorkSafe BC recently published a piece in their WorkSafe magazine noting that when a company adds a mentoring program for young workers, accidents and injuries drop. The piece cited Ledcor Group’s successful mentorship program.

Here’s a snippet: The program pairs novice young workers with experienced hands on the jobsite. Both workers stay together at all times. “This person is their buddy. If they are embarrassed to ask a supervisor a question, they’re more comfortable asking their buddy,” Brissette says. “When you’re new on the job, no one wants to look stupid. But this is someone who will guide you, someone who really knows the job well.”

Read the entire article here.

Recognizing the National Day of Mourning

Buddy system provides unexpected benefits, says WorkSafe BC

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