Health, safety key
Mike Cobb, only 24 years old, died while working at Prestressed Systems Inc. April 12. His union suggests equipment malfunction may be to blame and awaits the outcome of an investigation. “It is tragic,” says Mike Jee, chairperson of the Windsor and District Labour Council’s National Day of Mourning Committee. Adamant that no one should lose their lives on the job at any age, the labour council has Cobb on their minds and in their hearts as they prepare for their commemorative events this Saturday. The day will honour all workers who have died or been injured while working for their employers.
The collective cry for workplace safety and the call for work that promotes workers’ dignity and health will be heard from coast to coast to coast tomorrow, the National Day of Mourning, established by the Canadian Labour Congress in 1984. The observance is also held in more than 100 other countries.
“April 28th was picked because on that day in 1914, the first Workers Compensation Act in Ontario was proclaimed. We pause to remember and honour workers who have lost their lives or sustained injury while working – and to renew our commitment to improve health and safety in the workplace and prevent further injuries, illnesses and deaths,” Jee says.
There is much room for improvement in Canadian workplaces, he believes. “Clearly workers are still being killed, disabled and injured. “Higher, proactive safety standards and inspections, increasing the number of inspectors, tougher penalties for employers that kill workers, and a fair compensation system that does not plunge our permanently injured into poverty and despair would be a great start.” Jee adds, “Any loss of life or injury is unacceptable. The reactive nature of our lawmakers enables business to continue adhering to minimum standards.” Every worker has the right to be safe on the job. Canada’s labour councils and unions continue to research and promote solutions and lobby for standards that protect all workers in every workplace. Taking time to observe the National Day of Mourning is important to all workers and to all Canadians. While there were no work-related deaths on the job locally in 2017, the Windsor and District Labour Council and its Day of Mourning Committee know ongoing vigilance is imperative. They will continue to advocate for employment conditions that are safe and non-threatening for everyone.
“Workplace violence and harassment of any kind is unacceptable. Our teachers and support staff, corrections officers and health care professionals are at higher risk,” Jee notes. “This is concerning.” When someone is killed in the workplace, it is devastating for their loved ones, friends and work colleagues. There are meaningful ways that people can show their care and support on the Day of Mourning and beyond. “Join us in mourning on April 28,” Jee says. “Talk about what you observe and learn. Talk about safety and refusing unsafe work. Anytime you go down to Coventry Gardens, pause at the monument and pay respect. Demand higher, proactive safety standards from your government.”