The LifeQuilt, a memorial to young workers and others who have lost their lives in the workplace visited the B.C. Parliament Buildings on April 12, 2016, in an effort to raise safety awareness of workplace safety.

The LifeQuilt, a project of Threads of Life, is a unique and permanent memorial dedicated to the thousands of young women and men between the ages of 14 and 24, who have been killed or injured on the job. The quilt commemorates 100 young workers killed on the job with individual, personalized quilted blocks. In addition, 100 injured young workers are recognized on the centre panel.

(flickr.com)

During the visit, Threads of Life received a $10,000 sponsorship from WorkSafeBC to further their work in helping families impacted by workplace tragedy.

In 2003, Threads of Life executive director Shirley Hickman co-founded the Association for Workplace Tragedy Family Support, known as Threads of Life to help families affected by a workplace fatality, life-altering injury or occupational disease along their journey of healing. The Association is currently working with more than 2,300 family members from across Canada who have been affected by a workplace tragedy. Threads of Life also promotes public awareness and accountability for workplace health and safety.

British Columbians are encouraged to attend this year’s two Steps for Life Walks in B.C. – one in Prince George and another in Vancouver on May 1, 2016. All funds raised during the walks assist Threads of Life to provide programs and services for Canadian families who have suffered as a result of a workplace tragedy.

(flickr.com)

Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training, Shirley Bond –

“I want to commend Shirley Hickman and Threads of Life for bringing meaningful hope and healing to families who experience a workplace tragedy. Every employer and every British Columbian must remain vigilant to ensure worker safety is always the first thing we think about on a worksite so everyone who leaves for work in the morning comes home safely at the end of the day.”

Threads of Life executive director Shirley Hickman –

“We say that Threads of Life is a club that wants no new members. A workplace tragedy leaves lives forever changed. We were pleased to have the opportunity to bring to B.C. the LifeQuilt’s message about the importance of preventing such tragedies in the future. Threads of Life is also very pleased to partner with WorkSafeBC in reaching out to B.C. families affected by work-related fatalities, life-altering injuries and occupational disease.”

WorkSafeBC vice president, Prevention Field Services, Al Johnson –

“The LifeQuilt reminds us that workers can and do die on the job.  One death is one too many.  We must all be vigilant to make health and safety a priority in B.C. workplaces and we commend Threads of Life for helping to raise awareness of this need.”

Quick Facts:

• Workers have the right to refuse any work they think is unsafe and should immediately report the unsafe condition to their supervisor or employer.
• Any employee can also call WorkSafeBC toll-free at 1 888 621-7233 to report an incident or unsafe work.
• April 28, 2016, is The National Day of Mourning - a day set aside to remember those who have been killed or seriously injured in the workplace.
• May 1-7, 2016, is North American Occupational Health and Safety Week – NAOSH Week in B.C. to help focus attention on the importance of health and safety in the workplace.

Learn More:

Learn more about Threads of Life: http://threadsoflife.ca/

Learn about the LifeQuilt here: http://lifequilt.ca/

Find photos of the LifeQuilt and event here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/bcgovphotos/26369684766/