Day of Mourning ad campaign shines light on workplace safety

TORONTO, April 22, 2016 /CNW/ - The Ontario Public Service Employees Union begins a one-week ad campaign on more than 65 radio stations today to draw attention to workplace safety across the province.

The campaign commemorates the National Day of Mourning, held every year on April 28 to remember workers who have lost their lives or suffered injury or illness on the job.

"Workers new to a job are three times more likely to be injured during the first month on the job than more experienced workers," said Warren (Smokey) Thomas, president of OPSEU. "Employers across Ontario need to ensure that all workers come home safe and sound every day."

The OPSEU ads urge all Ontarians to mark April 28 by remembering workers who have died and recommitting to the fight for safe workplaces for all workers.

"With so many young people working at precarious jobs, we've seen many dangerous situations in workplaces. It is very important for young workers to know their health and safety rights from day one on the job," Thomas added.

OPSEU represents 130,000 working people across the province.

To hear samples of the OPSEU ads, recorded by local broadcasters, click here. For a listing of National Day of Mourning events across Ontario, visit the Workers Health and Safety Centre (WHSC) website.

SOURCE Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU)

Warren (Smokey) Thomas, 613-329-1931; Terri Aversa, Senior OPSEU Health and Safety Officer, 416-443-8888 ext. 8774, [email protected]