1,057
That is the number of Canadian workers who lost their lives in work-related incidents 2023, according to the Association of Workers’ Compensation Boards of Canada (the most recent year for which there are statistics). That is 1,057 people who never came home to their parents, children or spouse. It is 1,057 people that will be missed by a countless number of friends and family. This year and every year on April 28th, the Canadian flag flies at half mast as we take time to remember and honour our loved ones that we have lost or who have been injured at work.
274,022
That is the number of lost time injuries that were approved by Canadian compensation boards in 2023. For employers, this is a significant loss to productivity. To workers, these injuries can, temporarily or permanently, significantly impact their quality of life.
Agriculture Union members are no stranger to dangerous workplaces. Many of us are exposed to dangerous machinery, pathogens, infectious diseases and highly volatile industrial workplaces. We also face many of the hidden dangers that are rarely given enough time at health and safety meetings. We know that shift workers face long term health concerns; such as higher rates of cardiovascular disease and cancer. The 2024 Public Service Employee Survey shows that about 1/3 of our members feel large or very large amounts of stress because of understaffing and a high workload. In many of our workplaces, we know our members are experiencing harassment. Whether you are injured physically or mentally, those injuries do not punch out at the end of the shift. We bring those injuries home with us.
Please familiarize yourself with your three fundamental rights under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (right to know, right to participate and the right to refuse) as seen here on the CCOHS website; CCOHS: Health and Safety Legislation in Canada – Three Rights of Workers.
It is through better knowledge and training that we can make our workplace safer. For those of us who participate on health and safety committees, we have to hold the employer accountable. During the early years of the pandemic, the government mantra seemed to be “health and safety is our number one priority”. But now with the budget cuts, it is important for us to tell our employers that health and safety can not be compromised and should still be the number one priority.
We all need to strive to do better. The statistics cited above are shocking. However, statistics do not go home to their families at the end of their shift, people do. This April 28th please take some time to remember and mourn all of our colleagues, friends and loved ones who were injured or lost their lives because of their work. When you are at work, do not forget your three rights, and report workplace dangers so that you and your coworkers can get home safe.
Please consult the Canadian Labour Congress’ website to find a Day of Mourning event close to you.
For info on the event happening in Quebec City on April 28 organized by the Federation des travailleurs et travailleuses du Quebec, click here.
Aaron Swerdlyk
Chair of the Agriculture Union Collective Bargaining, Health and Safety Committee
Fourth National Executive Vice-President