Today, April 28th, is the National Day of Mourning. I will take a moment to remember the lives lost or forever changed by a workplace injury or illness. This day resonates with me personally because of my career in Health & Safety and because my family has experienced the loss of loved ones from workplace accidents.
My Grandfather, John Shanks and Great-Grandfather Fred Shanks, were killed due to workplace accidents at the same mine 20 years apart, and both were killed by machines. I spoke to my Dad and Aunt today about this post; I learned that my Grandmother was pregnant at the time of my Grandfather’s death with my Dad’s youngest sister. My Grandmother didn’t even know yet.
My family is fortunate to not have experienced the loss of my father at a young age as he and his siblings did. My Dad, Tom Shanks, worked as a linesman for 47 years at the Nova Scotia Power Corp and only had one medical aid in his career. An insulator struck him on his mouth and damaged his teeth. Dad retired 3 years ago at the age of 65, and he is FINALLY able to sleep through all the storms and enjoy his retirement. Thank you Dad for always coming home safe to us.
I love my job as a Health and Safety Professional; it has its ups and downs, just like any other profession. Sometimes I could scream. Sometimes I could cry. Sometimes I am smiling all day. But at the end of the day, this story of my Grandfather’s and Great-Grandfather’s passing helps to remind me that every person going home safe at the end of the day is why I do what I do.
Please take a moment today to remember loved ones, friends, acquaintances, co-workers or anyone who have lost their lives or suffered injury or illness on the job.
Written by Edith Mosher this book was given to me by my family after the passing of my grandmother, which explains how my Grandfather and Great-Grandfather were killed.
