National Day of Mourning ceremony remembers workplace victims
National Day of Mourning ceremony remembers victims, pushes for improved conditions for workers
The overflowing of wreaths laid in the lobby of the East Block at Confederation Building on Saturday were an indication of the number of people affected by workplace-related deaths, injuries and disease.
More than 80 wreaths were laid in remembrance of loved ones killed on the job.
For Tracey Lawrence, the annual National Day of Mourning is not only a time for her to mourn the death of her husband, Derrick Lawrence, who died at age 45 in a construction accident near Sunnyside eight years ago, it’s also a time of solidarity.
“It brings peace and comfort,” Lawrence said. “Knowing that I’m not alone.”
She said it’s a “daily struggle” living without her husband, who she described as outgoing, social and loving.
When he died, she was 42 years old and her son, Luke, was 14.
“It was the most devastating, traumatizing day ever. Unimaginable, overwhelming, and it’s been almost eight years, but certainly not forgotten.”
On average, seven people die in Newfoundland and Labrador every year because of a workrelated injury.
Across the country, about 1,000 people die each year in a workplace-related incident.
For Ann Rowsell, that’s unacceptable.
Rowsell’s brother, Owen Higdon, was an ironworker. June 16 will mark 40 years since he was killed on the job when a steel beam fell on him.
She marks that day, and the National Day of Mourning, as a time to remember Higdon, who she described as a “free spirit” who “loved his work.”
Rowsell and two of her other brothers, Stephen and Phillip Higdon, laid a wreath in their brother’s memory at the ceremony.
“Lots of times stuff could be different. Lots of times, stories you hear and read, you know, if something could have been done?” Rowsell said, shaking her head as if in disbelief.
“I just hope that everybody takes notice and gives everybody a safe place to work.”
St. John’s and District Labour Council president Patrick Dunne said this year’s National Day of Mourning focus is on workplace violence and harassment, with the theme, “Violence and Harassment: Not part of the job.”
Dunne said the occurrence of workplace violence is increasing, and has gone up by almost 200 per cent in this province in the past 10 years.
“Workplace violence is a serious issue that affects all industries and occupations across our province,” he said.
“Workplace violence is not just physical assault, it can include threatening behaviour, verbal and written threats, or other actions that give a worker a belief that he or she is at risk of injury.”
Dunne said the government must do more to prevent and stop workplace violence and harassment.
He said the government should implement anti-reprisal measures, including whistleblower protection, to make it safe for workers to report harassment and violence.
The government must also ensure federal health and safety officers can be as effective as possible, he said.
“That means hiring more officers and ensuring they receive the robust training they need to be effective in their jobs.”
Dunne pointed out that domestic violence, which is on the rise, must be recognized by the government as a workplace hazard in order to fully protect workers.
He said domestic violence occurs in the workplace with abusive partners showing up at workplaces and making threatening phone calls to workers. By including it as a workplace hazard, employers will have an increased awareness of the issue, and will be able to conduct workplace risk assessments, training and safety planning, he said.
“Violence and harassment are a daily reality for far too many people in our province, and should never be seen as ‘just part of the job,’” Dunne said.