News

April 28th is the World Day for Safety and Health at Work which “promotes the prevention of occupational accidents and diseases”. Almost 3 million people worldwide lose their lives due to workplace accidents or from exposure to hazardous substances.

There are over 160 million people worldwide who become injured while working and a large unknown number of workers who suffer from work-related illnesses. Families of the workers whose lives were lost, or who sustain injuries, illnesses or diseases should also be considered as they suffer from the emotional and economic impacts of their loved ones.

As interior designers we create environments that consider health, safety and wellness that includes all aspects of the interior space to improve the quality of life of the occupants. Further consideration must be given to the health, safety and wellbeing of the workers who work for the companies whose products and materials we specify. 

The 3 pillars of sustainability: people, planet and profit are considered when specifying products and materials, but further research is needed to understand the economic and human impact. An example of the research could include reviewing items that are listed as fair trade or fair made products and materials that support the economic growth and prosperity of the workers and  includes safe working conditions.

No matter who we are or who we work for or work with, as employers or employees, we are all responsible to ensure safe working environments to protect ourselves and not to endanger the lives of others.

On April 28th, World Day for Safety and Health At Work take a moment to remember those whose lives were lost, those whose lives were altered from a workplace accident or those who suffer from an illness due to occupational accidents or disease and commit to ensure we have done our part to make sure all workers can return home safely at the end of the day. This day is also designated as a National Day of Mourning in Canada for those who died, have been injured or suffered illness in the workplace since 1984.

The date was chosen in 1984, when the Canadian Labour Congress proclaimed the Day to coincide with the 70th anniversary of the day the first Ontario Worker's Compensation Act was approved by the government (1914). The Day of Mourning was enshrined in national legislation by an Act of Parliament on February 1, 1991.

We’re also sharing these resources from the Workplace Safety Insurance Board (WSIB) for information and support which are available locally. 

Threads of Life

If you or a loved one have been affected by a workplace death, injury or illness, The Association for Workplace Tragedy Family Support, known as Threads of Life, may be able to help. They provide peer support, information, online and in-person events to learn healthy coping skills, and the chance to use your voice for prevention of future tragedies.

WSIB Safety Resources

Workplace Safety Insurance Board recommends these resources which can help to make Ontario a safer place to work:

• Use their Safety Check feature to check the safety record of businesses across Ontario.
• Their Health and Safety Excellence program can help you develop a health and safety program for your business.