The Town of Bonnyville stopped on Friday to remember those hurt and lost in the workplace. The 2019 Day of Mourning service was held at Town Hall. Lakeland workers, military members, politicians and spiritual leaders joined together to remember those lost while working and share the importance of work safety. Pastor Ben Smith from the Bonnyville Baptist Church offered a prayer, saying workplace safety is a mission of love and respect.
“[These stories] are of fathers and brothers, sisters and mothers. Children. People that need each other. So let’s pray. Pray for those families. Let’s pray for safety. Let’s pray that we have the wisdom to protect people in the workplace.”
Local worker Dave Bennett was the guest speaker at the ceremony. He was hurt in a workplace accident back in 2016 that led to a life-threatening stroke later in the year. He says he also had a co-worker and friend die due to a workplace accident.
“I was asked to come here today and speak about my accident. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to. I thought long and hard about it. I talked to my wife and son about it. The more I thought about it, the more I thought I should. At least then I get a chance to tell my story. My friend didn’t.”
Alberta lost 162 people to workplace-related injury or illness in 2018.