A Day of Mourning Service was held at the Saratoga Park-Memorial Arboretum to remember the lives of those who were lost in the workplace.--NEWS PHOTO BRENDAN MILLER
bmiller@medicinehatnews.com
The city held a mourning service Monday morning to remember workers whose lives have been lost while on the job, also acknowledging others who have been injured, afflicted or disabled in the workplace.
The National Day of Mourning is observed every year on April 28; in Medicine Hat, flags are flown at half-mast where possible and many city workers spend a moment of their day in silence to reflect upon those who have been lost on the job.
Several Medicine Hat firefighters attended Monday’s service. Their job includes numerous dangers including exposure to smoke, toxic chemicals, heat as well as long-term health risks, including increased cancer rates and mental health challenges.
“Today, we honour those who have paid the ultimate price in the line of duty,” said Douglas Gill, deputy chief. “Their courage and selflessness will never be forgotten. Let us also extend our thoughts and prayers to the families and friends who have been affected by these tragedies, their strength and resilience inspired us to work hard, to be more vigilant and advocate for safer workplaces.”
Last year, more than 200 individuals lost their lives in Alberta due to work-related injuries or illnesses.
Police chief Alan Murphy honoured members of the Medicine Hat Police Service who were injured after an individual discharged a shotgun at officers last July.
“We were very fortunate that we didn’t lose a police officer on July 27 last year. We are not immune to this either,” said Murphy. “I think the biggest tragedy of all as it comes to workplace accidents … is that if we ever forget them and we don’t continue to honour them by showing up on this day, that is the larger tragedy, because that’s how we forget.”
The Day of Mourning Service, held by the Medicine Hat Regional Safety Committee, included a moment of silence, prayer and an opportunity for attendees to lay a flower on the Saratoga Park-Memorial Arboretum.
