The City of Salmon Arm marked the National Day of Mourning at Marine Peace Park today.
People gathered to remember those who have lost their lives, been injured or become ill due to workplace incidents.
Salmon Arm Mayor Alan Harrison spoke at the ceremony, saying the day is a time to reflect on those across the country.
“The purpose today is not only to remember those lost, but it’s also a plant, a plan we make to work together, to make our workplaces safer.”
He added it is the responsibility of everyone — employees and employers — to work together so people do not have to mourn in the future.
Sean Coubrough, fire chief with the Columbia Shuswap Regional District, also spoke, saying April 28 is not just a date on the calendar.
“It’s a reminder that behind every statistic is a person,” he said. “Someone who showed up for work expecting to return home safety and they did not.”
He added the most meaningful way to honour those lives is by committing to preventing further injuries and deaths, especially for those who are more vulnerable.
“New workers are more likely to be injured in their first weeks or month on the job, not because they’re careless, but because they’re unfamiliar,” Coubrough said. “Some don’t want to be seen as inexperienced.”
He encouraged workers to speak up if they are unsure about a procedure or regulation.
“Some assume that if something feels unsafe, it must be misunderstood and too often, they stay silent,” he said.
“Silence can be deadly.”
Salmon Arm RCMP Staff Sgt. Simon Scott was also in attendance, along with representatives from CUPE Local 1908 and WorkSafeBC.
Scott said emergency service workers are not immune to risks.
“Lives are forever changed by the loss of someone they care about,” Scott said. “We know what it means to carry the memory of those who never made it home.”
According to WorkSafeBC, 138 workers died in the province last year, with 79 of those deaths resulting from occupational disease and 41 resulting from traumatic incidents.
Coubrough also reflected on Salmon Arm retired fire chief Kenneth Tebo, who died from leukemia last year. He noted firefighters face a high risk of death, injury and illness due to the unpredictable nature of their work.
WorkSafeBC reminded employees they will not be penalized for exercising their rights to safety, saying every injury, disease or death serves as a reminder to keep people safe.
