By: Carmen Capitano, NCSO, GSC, Health, Safety & Training Manager
Saturday, April 28th is the National Day of Mourning in Canada. This day is dedicated to remembering those that have lost their lives, suffered injury or developed an illness due to a work-related incident. It is also a day for renewed commitment to Health & Safety in the workplace and the prevention of further injuries, illnesses and deaths.
The National Day of Mourning date was chosen in 1984 to coincide with the 70th anniversary of the first Ontario Worker’s Compensation Act. The Day was then enshrined in national legislation by an Act of Parliament on February 1, 1991. Also known as Workers’ Memorial Day, it is officially recognized in about 100 countries worldwide.
Statistics from the Association of Worker’s Compensation Boards of Canada (AWCBC) reveal that in 2016, 905 workplace deaths were recorded in Canada. In addition to these fatalities, 241,508 claims were filed for lost time due to a work-related injury or disease. Though Canadian workplaces are rated among the safest in the world, there is still a long way to go.
On April 28th, the Canadian flag will fly at half-mast on Parliament Hill and all federal government buildings. There will be events held across the province and many people will pause for a moment of silence at 11:00 a.m. You can also get involved in the Day of Mourning Thunderclap campaign where a single one-time tweet or Facebook post will be sent on your behalf at the same time as other supporters.
multiVIEW is committed to maintaining a safe & healthy workplace. No job is worth doing if it can’t be done safely. Our safety culture is backed by our Health & Safety Manual, which is implemented by our Joint Health & Safety Committee (JHSC). multiVIEW staff members undergo rigorous Health & Safety training that includes WHMIS, First Aid, Worker/Supervisor Safety Awareness, Emergency Procedures, Lock Out Tag Out, Slips Trips & Falls, Confined Space Entry, Traffic Control, among many others. Learn more about our commitment to Health & Safety.
Carmen Capitano is multiVIEW’s Health, Safety & Training Manager. He is Gold Seal Certified and a National Safety Construction Officer with a track record of successfully leading large contracting companies through the COR certification and compliance process. Additional certifications include WHMIS, Working at Heights, Power Elevating Work Platform, Forklift (Standard & Rough Terrain), First Aid & CPR Level 1, Fire Extinguisher Level 1, and JHSC Certified Member.