As workers across the country prepare to mark the National Day of Mourning on April 28, Canada’s unions are calling on employers and governments to prioritize workplace safety. This year’s theme for “Safe Work!” is a call to action for employers and governments to truly ensure safe jobs and workplaces for all workers.
“There are still too many workers dying, getting injured or becoming ill as a result of their work and each year these numbers are not decreasing. This is unacceptable because all deaths and injuries are preventable. Employers and our governments are not taking sufficient measures to ensure the safety of workers at work. Workers and their loved ones cannot afford to wait,” says CLC President Bea Bruske. “When you know the situation, you have to improve it. The Westray Act came into force twenty years ago. It is high time for Canada to improve safety for everyone. »
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Westray Act. Following the Westray mine tragedy, Canada’s unions – led by the United Steelworkers – pushed for changes so that employers could be convicted of criminal negligence. In 2004, the Westray sections of the Criminal Code of Canada came into force, allowing businesses to be held criminally liable for the death or injury of an employee at work.
However, since its adoption, very few criminal charges have been brought due to inadequate and insufficient enforcement of the law. Employers have been fined, which large companies can easily pay. Political leaders continue to pander to business interests by weakening health and safety legislation, both provincially and federally.
Across Canada, in 2022 – the most recent year for which statistics are available – there were 993 workplace fatalities and 348,747 lost time claims accepted by labor boards. workers’ compensation.
“We know these numbers represent just the tip of the iceberg. Many work-related injuries, illnesses and even deaths are not included in these figures. But did you know that you are fifty percent more likely to be killed due to a workplace incident than through homicide? And when a person dies by homicide, someone is held criminally responsible. So why are so many workers still dying on the job while potentially negligent employers continue business as if nothing happened? A slap on the wrist won’t deter careless bosses who put profits before people. A person’s life and health are worth more than a trivial fine, which is not an acceptable consequence,” added Ms. Bruske.
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