If every week two Albertans died of a particular disease, you would know a lot about that disease. The government would put a lot of energy into research and prevention.>

Every week in 1998, two Alberta workers were killed by their work. That is almost 100 workers killed. They were killed in an accident at work or through an occupational disease caused by their work.

"The tragic thing is that every single one of those deaths is preventable," says Audrey Cormack, President of the Alberta Federation of Labour.

Alberta has the second highest fatality rate for workers in Canada, and our rate is growing. Looking around the world, 334,000 workers are killed every year.

This is a serious issue.

That is why the labour movement has persuaded governments around the world to proclaim International Day of Mourning. Every year on April 28, workers stop to remember those who have paid the highest price for their work.

But Day of Mourning has a second purpose. It is our opportunity as working people to remember that we must work to prevent any more workers from dying. Every death is avoidable. We need to remind governments and employers of their responsibility to keep workers safe. And we need to look after each other, so that our co-workers remain safe as well.

"April 28 is our opportunity to highlight the need for strong health and safety laws, and the ultimate necessity of safe workplaces," says Ms. Cormack.

"April 28 is our day. Let us use it," she adds.

Do something on April 28 to mark the day. Take a moment in your personal day to stop and think about our fallen brothers and sisters. Organize something in your workplace to highlight the day for everyone you work with. Participate in your local community’s Day of Mourning ceremony.

However you choose to mark the day, think back on those who have been killed, and think forward to how we can all work together to end workplace death.

(NOTE TO EDITOR: If there is room, it would be appreciated if you could include an inset box promoting local/AFL event, plus anything your union is doing.)