By Sheldon Spackman

Honouring those injured or killed on the job

Apr 27, 2018 | 3:48 PM

Dozens of Red Deerians joined RCMP, firefighters and other emergency responders at City Hall Park on Friday to remember those who were injured, disabled or lost their lives to workplace incidents or occupational disease.

A National Day of Mourning ceremony was hosted by the Alberta Construction Safety Association’s (ASCA) Parkland Regional Safety Committee in advance of Canada’s National Day of Mourning on April 28.

The event included a proclamation from Deputy Mayor Vesna Higham, a minute of silence for reflection and the laying of wreaths by representatives from the Alberta Construction Safety Association’s Parkland Regional Safety Committee, Canadian Society of Safety Engineering – Central Alberta Chapter, Manufacturer’s Health and Safety Association and Red Deer and District Labour Council.

Trevor Hovdebo, Spokesperson for the Parkland Regional Safety Committee says 166 Albertans succumbed to workplace injuries or illnesses in 2017, a number he says is fairly consistent from year to year.

“We have to recognize that one is too many,” says Hovdebo. “It takes all of us to recognize that safety is important to everyone, not only in the workplace but at home as well.”

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Hovdebo says local organizations such as the Parkland Regional Safety Committee and the Canadian Society of Safety Engineers can help teach you to be safer in your workplace and at home. He hopes Friday’s ceremony brought attention to the fact that workplace tragedies and incidents need to be remembered on not only a national level but local level as well.

There are numerous upcoming events in Red Deer that aim to do just that as North American Occupational Safety and Health Week (NAOSH) approaches May 6 – 12.

Activities get underway early with the Parkland Regional Safety Committee unveiling a Fallen Worker Tribute near the Bower Ponds stage. The project includes a steel pergola, benches and picnic table to give families of workplace tragedies and park users a quiet place to rest and reflect. It’s hoped to be finished by April 29 with a Grand Opening planned for June.

On May 5, the Red Deer Steps for Life Walk is taking place. It’s a family friendly 5 km walk that raises workplace safety awareness and funds for families of workplace tragedies. It starts at 10:30 a.m. at the Bower Ponds stage.

On May 7, the Alberta Construction Safety Association – Parkland Regional Safety Committee’s Elementary School Mock Incident and BBQ takes place at Iron Ridge Intermediate Campus in Blackfalds.

Finally on May 10, there will also be a NAOSH Week Safety BBQ and Trade Show at RDC.

“When it comes to the health and safety of workers, we know that there’s always more for us to do,” added Christina Gray, Minister of Labour in a press release. “That’s why it’s so important that starting June 1, workers across the province will finally have the right to know about hazards in their workplace, the right to participate in health and safety discussions and, most importantly, the crystal clear right to refuse unsafe work.”

For more information on Bill 30 – An Act To Protect The Health And Well Being Of Working Albertans, click here.