Kelowna hosts ceremony for National Day of Mourning

The National Day of Mourning ceremony in Kelowna at Ben Lee Park on Sunday was a somber yet important event to honor those who lost their lives in the workplace. Len Tarling of WorkSafe BC emphasized the significance of the day, stating, “For people to remember not only the people that have passed in the past year or years previous but also to bring to the forefront the concerns, the things that are happening in the world.”

April 28 marks the Day of Mourning across Canada, where workers, employers, families, and communities come together to pay tribute to those who died due to workplace injuries or illnesses. Last year, British Columbians gathered at 30 ceremonies across the province to honor fallen workers and renew their commitment to ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of all workers.

Despite a slight decrease in work-related deaths in B.C. from the previous year, there were still 175 fatalities in 2023. Officials are working to lower this number each year, with Hermender Singh Kailley of the BC Federation of Labour advocating for more prevention officers at Workers’ Compensation Board. Kailley stressed the importance of prevention, stating, “We find that prevention is better than having to come in and do an investigation when a worker is hurt or killed.”

WorkSafe BC highlighted the risks posed by evolving technology and equipment in the workplace, emphasizing the need for proper training to prevent accidents. Occupational diseases, particularly asbestos exposure, remained a leading cause of worker deaths in 2023. Traumatic injuries, including falls and motor vehicle incidents, also claimed the lives of many workers, underscoring the ongoing importance of workplace safety measures.