Safety Matters

Today marks the 20th Anniversary of the Westray Mining Disaster. It was one of the worst workplace health and safety tragedies in Nova Scotia’s history.
 
On May 9, 1992, at 5:18 a.m., a violent methane gas explosion rocked the Westray Mine in the small community of Plymouth, Nova Scotia. All 26 men who were underground at the time died. Although the bodies of 15 miners were discovered, underground conditions worsened, and recovery efforts eventually had to be abandoned, entombing the bodies of 11 miners at the depths of the mine.
 
Today people across Nova Scotia are pausing and remembering those 26 men. There are memorial services happening throughout the day in New Glasgow. And, this evening, members of the Workers’ Compensation Board’s Executive team and Board of Directors will attend the 7 p.m. ceremony at Westray Memorial Park where Premier Darrell Dexter and Rick Clarke, president, NS Federation of Labour will speak, the Men of the Deeps will perform, and 26 white roses will be laid. 
 
The Westray Mining Disaster is a powerful reminder of the need to remain vigilant about workplace safety. Please take a moment today to reflect on the horrible tragedy that struck the small Nova Scotia community 20 years ago. 
 
And turn your thoughts to those 26 men who did return from work on that sad day. May their light always shine.