Each year on the national Day of Mourning, communities and organizations across Canada pay tribute to workers who have lost their lives or been injured due to work-related incidents or occupational diseases. In honour of this event, the City of Courtenay, WorkSafe BC and CUPE 556 will hold a flag-raising ceremony at Courtenay City Hall on Friday, April 26 at 10:00 am.

“The Day of Mourning is a time for us to remember fallen workers, and also to reinforce the importance of safety on the job,” said Paige Knapman, occupational health and safety coordinator for the City of Courtenay. “It’s a reminder to all of us that we need to stay vigilant, minimize risks, and speak up if we think something isn’t safe.”

In 2012, 149 workers in B.C. were killed at work. Thousands more were put on long-term disability. Young workers are particularly vulnerable. In B.C., young males under the age of 25 are at the highest risk for a workplace injury.

Everyone is welcome to attend the Day of Mourning ceremony. For more information, please contact Knapman at 250-334-4441.

For more information on the Day of Mourning, including a list of other ceremonies around B.C., visit www.worksafebc.com/news_room/campaigns/day_of_mourning/default.asp