Sask. marks day of mourning for those injured or killed on the job

Saskatchewan is observing the national day of mourning Friday for those who lost their lives or suffered an injury or illness on the job.

According to the provincial government, 39 fatality claims were accepted by the Saskatchewan Workers’ Compensation Board this year.

The national day of mourning has been observed since 1984, the ministry added, and flags at government buildings will be lowered to half mast as a sign of remembrance.

Don Morgan, minister for labour relations and workplace safety, said workplace fatalities, illnesses and injuries can have a devastating impact on families, communities and other employees.

“I am deeply saddened each time I hear of a fatality or injury that has occurred while someone is on the job,” Morgan said in a statement.

“We need to continue to prioritize workplace health and safety so that we can achieve zero injuries, zero fatalities and zero suffering.”

The provincial government noted WorkSafe Saskatchewan’s recent five-year strategy on fatalities and serious injuries, which aims to eliminate injuries and deaths in Saskatchewan workplaces.