Today is the National Day of Mourning, a day when we remember and honour those who have lost their lives or been injured or made ill due to a workplace tragedy. It is a day to renew our commitment to improve health and safety in the workplace and prevent further injuries, illnesses and deaths.
At Enova, the health and safety of our employees, our customers and the public will always come first. The work we do is dangerous and an accident can have deadly consequences when we let our guard down.
To mark the Day of Mourning, we will be lowering the flag at our Country Squire office to half-mast.
We will also take a moment of silence at 11 a.m. to honour those who have been killed, injured, or made ill in the workplace.
What can you do to observe the day?
In addition to taking a moment of silence, please take the time to familiarize yourself with the electrical hazards in your own workplace.
- If you work outdoors, look up and around your worksite for overhead powerlines and keep yourself and any tools and equipment at least three metres away.
- If your work involves digging, be sure you have locates so you know where any underground infrastructure is and dig away from those areas.
- Underground locates are free, and they are the law. You can book your locate through Ontario One Call at 1-800-400-2255 or online at www.ontarioonecall.ca.
- Check any electrical cords and plugs for signs of damage including fraying or broken cords. Do not use the tool until it has been repaired or replaced.
You can find more tips about workplace safety on the Electrical Safety in the Workplace page on our website.
Today and everyday, please remember to work safe.
About the Day of Mourning
In 1991, eight years after the day of remembrance was launched by the Canadian Labour Congress, the Parliament of Canada passed the Workers Mourning Day Act making April 28 an official Day of Mourning.
Today the Day of Mourning has since spread to more than 100 countries around the world and is recognized as Workers’ Memorial Day, and as International Workers’ Memorial Day by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC).
It is the hope of CCOHS that the annual observance of this day will help strengthen the resolve to establish safe and healthy conditions in the workplace, and prevent further injuries, illnesses, and deaths. As much as this is a day to remember those who have lost their lives, it is also a call to protect the living and make work a place where people are safe and can thrive.
For more information about the Day of Mourning, visit www.ccohs.ca
