Province offers employers thousands to honour 'fallen workers'

Organizations which lost employees in workplace accidents may apply for the fund

BY Dexter Tilo 26 Sep. 2022

The Alberta government is granting employers up to $10,000 to establish memorials for employees who passed away in work-related accidents. These physical memorials may include statues, plaques, gardens, murals, or commissioned pieces of art. Alberta-based non-profit or public sector organizations can apply for the fund, up until December 9 2022.

"I'm proud to support creating memorials to encourage everyone to take time to honour and remember workers who died due to work-related causes,” said Labour minister Kaycee Madu. “One workplace injury or fatality is too many, and my thoughts and prayers are with these workers and their families, friends, and co-workers.”

The government is allocating up to $300,000 for the grant programme, according to the announcement. Shirley Hickman, executive director at Threads of Life, said that while nothing can mend these losses, remembering and honouring fallen workers is a step towards healing.

"Nothing will erase the loss families experience after a tragedy, but knowing their loved ones are remembered and honoured is one step in healing," said Hickman. "The families of Threads of Life are dedicated to eliminating all work-related tragedies, and we hope fallen worker memorials contribute to that goal."

In 2020, a total of 130 workers died in Alberta due to occupational illnesses, workplace incidents, or work-related vehicle collisions. To help stamp out workplace fatalities, the Alberta government said it’s updating its Occupational Health and Safety Code to ensure that it’s up to date with the best practices, standards, and technologies. It also launched a new search tool that consolidates the Occupational Health and Safety Act, regulation, and code into one interactive and online resource that employers can easily use as a reference.

"Through our continuing improvements to the Occupational Health and Safety Code and our initiative to make these safety guidelines available online, we are doing our part to ensure every Albertan returns home at the end of the day," said Madu.