Elgin County Recognizes National Day of Mourning

Central Elgin, ON – On April 28, 2021 Elgin County will raise a flag at its Heritage Centre to recognize the National Day of Mourning commemorating workers who have been killed, injured or suffered illness as a result of workplace incidents or exposures.

The most recent statistics from the Association of Workers’ Compensation Boards of Canada (AWCBC) indicate that in 2019, 925 workplace fatalities were recorded in Canada. That same year 271,806 accepted claims for lost time due to a work-related injury or illness were also recorded. As more current data becomes available these numbers are likely to increase when numbers related to workplace COVID-19 exposures are included in the data.

“The County of Elgin recognizes the sacrifices of those who have faced workplace fatalities, injuries or exposures, and the families and friends who have been deeply impacted by these tragedies,” said Warden Tom Marks. “The importance of protecting workers while on the job to prevent future tragedies is critical. Whether it be on a family farm, a construction site, or in a healthcare setting, everyone faces unique workplaces dangers and we all deserve to feel safe at work. The COVID-19 pandemic has only added to the dangers that already exist in the workplace, and we recognize frontline and essential workers who have risked their own safety over the past thirteen months.”

For more information and resources associated with the National Day of Mourning visit the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety – https://www.ccohs.ca/events/mourning/

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For additional information, please contact:

Warden Tom Marks
tmarks@elgin.ca