CN Tower Yellow Lighting to Illuminate the Critical Need for Workplace Safety

WSIB Urges Everyone to Honour Ontario's Fallen Workers on Day of Mourning

TORONTO, April 27 /CNW/ - On April 28, the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) asks everyone to join them in marking the National Day of Mourning and honouring the millions of Ontarians whose lives have been forever changed by a workplace injury, illness or fatality.

"April 28th is a day to pay tribute to the workers and their families affected forever by workplace tragedies," says Steve Mahoney, WSIB Chair. "But we must do more than remember. I urge everyone to make April 28 a day of action focused on improving health and safety in your own workplace."

To commemorate the day, people are invited to light a virtual candle online by visiting www.prevent-it.ca. A special Day of Mourning Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/dayofmourning will also be available for anyone to read and post memorial messages. As well, the CN Tower will be illuminated in yellow as another visible tribute to honour injured and fallen workers.

"Lighting the CN Tower in yellow on April 28 is the most visible way to illuminate the critical need for workplace safety and pay tribute to the workers and families who have been impacted by a workplace incident," says Mahoney. "Because yellow is traditionally a colour of hope, everyone who sees the yellow CN Tower will be reminded that we must all do more to make workplaces safe and healthy for ourselves, our co-workers, and future generations."

Last year, 73 people were killed by traumatic fatalities at work in Ontario and another 261 from occupational disease. In addition, over 64,000 were injured seriously enough to miss work. For them, life will never be the same. And when you consider their families and friends, there are millions of Ontarians whose lives have been forever changed by a workplace incident.

The Day of Mourning was originated in Canada and first observed on April 28th, 1984. The Day of Mourning was enshrined in federal legislation by an Act of Parliament in 1991. Today, Day of Mourning ceremonies take place in more than 80 countries worldwide and at the United Nations in New York City. Canadian flags on Parliament Hill and Queen's Park fly at half mast on April 28th and the day is traditionally marked by wearing black and yellow ribbons, lighting candles, observing a moment of silence at 11:00 a.m., and sharing stories about how workplace tragedies have touched peoples' lives.

Ontario's Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) plays a key role in the province's occupational health and safety system. The WSIB administers no-fault workplace insurance for employers and their workers and is committed to the prevention of workplace injuries and illnesses. The WSIB provides disability benefits, monitors the quality of healthcare, and assists in early and safe return to work for workers who are injured on the job or contract an occupational disease.

For further information: Christine Arnott, WSIB Media Relations, [phone], [email protected]