Marking the Day of Mourning hits close to home for a plwyood plant worker in Williams Lake.
“I have lost a family member in a workplace accident,” Latisha Kirechuk told people gathered at the cenotaph on Monday, April 28 at noon for the Day of Mourning ceremony. “Twenty years ago my uncle didn’t return home from work. I still think about that day often.”
She said she was working an overnight shift and during the coffee break a first aid attendant told her he was surprised to see her at work. He then proceeded to tell her about her uncle.
Kirechuk phoned her mom, who was out of town, to ask if she’d heard anything but she had not so Kirechuk went back to work believing it could not be true.
When she got home, however, there was a message from her aunt saying Kirechuk's uncle had been hurt at his work.
“It’s definitely one of the reasons I’m so passionate about recognizing this day and working on making my workplace as safe as I can," Kirechuk said, adding she has been on the safety committee at West Fraser for more than 14 years.
This year, in anticipation of the Day of Mourning ceremony, Kirechuk arranged for students at Nesika Elementary School to paint small wooden houses that would placed on the lawn near city hall to represent the workers who did not make it home from work in 2024 in B.C. because of an accident at the workplace.
Three different classes of students helped with the project, she said. She will keep the houses as home for future ceremonies and said she hopes she doesn't have to add to them.
Workplace injuries and illness claimed 146 workers in B.C. last year.
"Of these workers, 78 died from occupational diseases, nearly half due to asbestos exposure, often decades ago, noted a WorkSafeBC news release. "Thirty-eight workers lost their lives due to traumatic workplace injuries, which included falls from heights, being struck by objects, and being caught in equipment or machinery. Additionally, 30 workers died as a result of motor vehicle incidents."
In the Cariboo, two people had work-related deaths.
Within B.C. 37 work-related deaths were as a result of asbestos exposure.
B.C. Premier David Eby issued a statement to recognize the day.
"On National Day of Mourning, we remember the workers who have died, were injured or became ill as a result of their job. We also renew our commitment to protecting workers and preventing workplace tragedies,” he said. “
"In 2024, 146 B.C. workers died due to workplace illnesses or injuries. My heart goes out to their loved ones and their communities.”
"Today, we honour those we have lost, alongside their loved ones and colleagues. And, in their memory, we recommit to ensuring that no one ever has to pay the ultimate price, just for a pay cheque."
Jennifer Whiteside, Minister of Labour, said those losses are a daily reminder of the urgent need to do everything to ensure loved ones come home safe at the end of their shifts.
“As the minister of labour, I wake up every morning thinking about workers who have lost their lives on the job. Their stories should drive us all to recommit to do the work needed to make worksites as safe as possible in B.C."
The Day of Mourning is observed in more than 100 countries.
