Kyle Hickey had not yet turned 23 when he was burned in an explosion at the autobody shop where he was working. He died the next day, leaving his family, friends, and loved ones with a hole in their lives that will never be filled.
For Kyle's parents, Estella and Paul, and all who loved Kyle, the pain they suffer is only intensified by the knowledge that his death could have been prevented.
Workplace fatalities and injuries are never an accident. They result from not taking all possible steps to prevent them. Workplace safety in Nova Scotia continues to improve year by year. But much work still needs to be done.
“Supporting workers and families in the aftermath of a workplace tragedy is some of the most important work that our workplace safety system – and the WCB – is honoured and humbled to do," says WCB CEO Karen Adams. "More important still is the work that we must all do to ensure every Nova Scotian who goes to work comes home safe and sound at the end of the day.”
On April 28, we mark the National Day of Mourning. We ask you to join in honouring Kyle, those who have been left without him, and all Nova Scotians who have been lost or injured at work or because of their work.
Day of Mourning awareness is led by the Nova Scotia Federation of Labour and supported by the Nova Scotia Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration, WCB Nova Scotia, and Threads of Life. The most important participants, however, are the families, friends, neighbours, coworkers, and employers of those who were lost.
Workplaces are encouraged to participate in the Day of Mourning by:
To learn more, visit dayofmourning.ns.ca.
Following a workplace tragedy, it can be difficult to know where to turn. Threads of Life is a national charity dedicated to supporting families during this very challenging time, providing an ongoing network of support. To learn more, visit threadsoflife.ca.
Read the Government's news release on Day of Mourning.