In June 1984, a tragic accident occurred. A seismic event struck northeastern Ontario, resulting in an utterly devastating collapse at Falconbridge Mine.
Four miners, members of Mine Mill Local 598, lost their lives. Sulo Korpela, Richard Chenier and Daniel Lavallee were killed instantly; Wayne St. Michel remained trapped below the surface.
Rescue workers worked diligently trying to save St. Michel, digging through the rock with their bare hands. They established voice contact with the miner, but he died minutes before he could be freed.
The following year, the first Workers Memorial Day was held, to honour the four men lost in this terrible tragedy. This June 20th marks the 37th anniversary.
“The memorial has since evolved and now honours all fallen, sick and injured workers, with a focus on a future that is free from these types of events. We strive for a day when no one ever becomes sick or injured in the workplace,” says Eric Boulay, President, Mine, Mill & Smelter Workers’ Union, Local 598 UNIFOR.
Richard Paquin served as president of Mine Mill for six years before becoming the National Representative for Unifor. For the last seven years he has also been their Mining Director.
“This event is for Sudbury to remember the death of four of our members, but it’s also a chance for us to re-educate ourselves, to make sure that we take no chances at work so that we get to return home safe and healthy every day,” he says.
Paquin has been preaching health and safety for the last 40 years of his career. “Unfortunately, I’ve lived through many fatalities in the mines. Mining is a very dangerous occupation and it is not forgiving. The goal is to make sure everybody follows the rules and procedures, because they were put in place for a reason,” he says. “At some point, somebody got hurt or died because of it.”
Mine Mill and other unions are part of several governmental groups that help change the rules in the mining industry. Reporting directly to the Minister of Labour, they track accidents across the province, recommend changes and rules that are strict and properly implemented. It’s the only way prevent further fatalities.
Occupational illnesses are another concern. Many health conditions arise from working in the mines and workers are dedicated to fighting for those who pass away from these illnesses too.
Fatalities are still happening in Canada. In each of the last three or four years, roughly 1000 people died from workplace injuries. Last year in Ontario, almost 200 died due to occupational illnesses.
Around the world, every 30 seconds someone dies because of workplace injury or illness.
“That’s why we’re reminding people and employers to make sure they go by the rules,” says Paquin. “We’re improving and that’s a good thing, but we’re not where we need to be. We’re trying to achieve zero fatalities in any workplace, especially in the mines.”
The 37th annual Mine Mill and Smelter Workers' Memorial Day takes place Sunday, June 20, 2021 at 9:30 am. For more information, visit www.minemill598.com.