Workplace accidents in decline on P.E.I.

Flags were flying at half-mast across P.E.I Monday to mark the National Day of Mourning, a day to remember people injured or killed on the job.

P.E.I. Workers Compensation Board chair Nancy Guptill said while no one died while working on the Island in 2013, there were some serious workplace accidents. The number of accidents where Islanders lost work time declined last year by five per cent compared to 2012. 

''In the scheme of things compared to other provinces, while we're small, we have not had too many, but of course any 
one is far too many, said Guptill.

In 2012 there were four fatalities although not all from traumatic incidents. Some were caused by occupational disease. 

Guptill believes education and awareness campaigns are having a positive influence. 

''You'll find that in the workplaces both the employers and employees are forming occupational health
safety measures to be followed,'' said Guptill.

"More and more I think there's exposure to people who are getting involved and supporting one another."

A wreath-laying ceremony to mark the day was scheduled for outside Province House at 6 p.m.