Isabelle Burroughs was one of 158 B.C. workers who died last year from a workplace injury or disease. Now, her family and community are left to mourn.
The North Okanagan will do just that this Saturday, April 28, for the national Day of Mourning, with an event taking place in Armstrong at the IPE Fairgrounds at 11 a.m.
It will surely be a somber day as families and friends remember Burroughs, the traffic controller from Enderby who died last year.
Burroughs was on the job in Lavington on Nov. 17 when she was hit by a car. The 66-year-old battled in hospital for nearly three weeks before she died as a result of her injuries.
Representatives from the City of Armstrong, Integrity Traffic Control Training and Traffic Control Specialists Network of B.C. will be on hand at Saturday’s event. Some will share their thoughts, and their pain, but their words will also speak towards a committment to creating healthy and safe workplaces. Because even though we cannot bring back those we have lost, we can bring change to hopefully prevent further loss and injury.
Enhanced workplace safety measures are one aspect, but in many cases it is also about individuals being alert to potential dangers and recognizing if they, or colleagues, or friends, may not be in the right state of mind to do. And it’s not just on the job. These measures are essential in every aspect of our life – particularly behind the wheel.
In Vernon, a similar memorial event takes place Friday as the city observes the national Day of Mourning at city hall from 10:30 a.m. to noon.
Everyone is invited to these events, to honour the memory of workers who have been killed, injured, or suffered illness as a result of work-related incidents.
