This text is part of the special section Unionism
Getting injured, becoming ill or losing your life because of your professional environment… April 28 is a day of national mourning to remember all these workers in this situation. In Quebec, their number “continues to be too high,” underlines Denis Bolduc, secretary general of the Quebec Federation of Workers (FTQ). There needs to be more emphasis on prevention, he agrees.
“We cannot let [passer] this day in silence,” believes Denis Bolduc. In 2023, 210 people died by accident or occupational disease, a slightly downward trend since in 2022, the number stood at 216, reveals Mr. Bolduc. “In 2022, there were more deaths from diseases including asbestosis and COVID-19. There had also been more fatal falls and contact with equipment. On the other hand, in 2023, there were 17 accidents linked to transport, which, in total, reduces the number to 210,” specifies Jean Laverdière of the FTQ communications department.
Sectors more affected
The construction sector remains the biggest loser in terms of worker mortality. In 2023, there will be 68 deaths, compared to 57 the previous year. “What is worrying is that we are in a context where the government wants to facilitate access to construction professions. By accelerating training, […] there is an increased risk of accidents since the health and safety aspect is not as well covered,” thinks Denis Bolduc.
The healthcare sector is also one of those most affected, particularly in terms of the number of injuries. “In the health sector, this is where we find almost a third of professional injuries. And we are talking about a predominantly female workforce,” he adds.
The lack of training of workers regarding health and safety at work remains one of the causes behind accidents that occur in their professional environment, according to Denis Bolduc. “We place a lot of emphasis on accident prevention. By having better education on this aspect, it means that it happens less,” explains Mr. Bolduc. “There seems to be a mentality that health and safety at work is expensive, […] and that is too much to ask of certain employers,” he says.
Focus on prevention
On the occasion of April 28, the FTQ is asking the government to tighten measures relating to health and safety at work, by providing the means to the Commission for Standards, Equity, Health and Safety. occupational safety (CNESST), which is responsible for applying labor laws in the province, so that it provides greater support to workers seeking a safer professional environment.
Increasing the number of CNESST inspectors, who have the role of enforcing the law and preventive measures, is one of the measures suggested by the Secretary General. However, “300 inspectors for just over 4.5 million workers is not a lot. […] If there were more inspectors, perhaps that would make some employers more nervous,” believes Mr. Bolduc.
“The CNESST must also do the work so that corrective measures in the workplace are put in place to ensure that workers actively participate in the prevention mechanisms provided for by law,” maintains Denis Bolduc. The latter adds to this aspect: workers play an essential role in health and safety in their professional environment. “Workers must participate in the law. Some are afraid of reprisals, but yet the law provides for things that can be done in terms of health and safety,” he notes.
On April 28, activities will take place in Montreal and Quebec to honor people who died and were injured at work, mentions Denis Bolduc. In the national capital, people will be able to gather in front of the National Assembly from 9 a.m. A speech followed by a minute of silence will be on the menu. Then, in the Montreal metropolis, a commemorative march will begin at the same time in front of city hall to reach the Grande Roue de Montréal. Remember that Riley Jonathan Valcin, 22, died there on December 25, 2021, when he was clearing snow from the drive wheels of the Big Wheel. “Deficient” management in terms of health and safety at work was highlighted by the CNESST report published in 2022 regarding the circumstances leading to the young man’s death.
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