www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Thursday, June 12, 2014 | 12 Memorial to recognize workers killed on the job by David Lea Oakville Beaver Staff Oakville officials and labour leaders gathered at the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 793 Speers Road facility Monday to break ground on a memorial -- to which they hope no new names will be added. The structure, to be located at the 2245 Speers Rd. crane training facility, is being built in remembrance of Local 793 members who have been killed over the years in construction site accidents or died from occupational illnesses. It is expected to be complete in early September. The circular garden pavilion will bear 31 names with the earliest date of death in 1970 and the most recent occurring in 2012. Before an audience of approximately 100 people, including family members of those who have died, IUOE Local 793 Business Manager Mike Gallagher spoke about the monument's importance. "We hope this will be an open and welcoming place where members, their families and the public can come and sit and reflect on the cost of lives to our members over the years in workplace accidents," he said. "This also reflects the absolute need for us to remember these people going forward and take great care and invest in training and health and safety." Gallagher said from 2003 to 2013 there were 225 workers killed at construction sites in Ontario, including 17 last year alone. With a number of those fatalities a result of electrocutions, he called on the construction industry and the provincial government to do something to prevent workers from being exposed to live wires during construction. "Perhaps a little inconvenience is worth saving a life," said Gallagher. Those present heard that despite Ontario having a good health and safety record when it comes to workplace injuries, the number of people killed each year on the job has not reduced drastically. Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) Chair Elizabeth Witmer said the memorial would serve Oakville officials and labour leaders gathered Monday for the groundbreaking of International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 793 Memorial Garden and Monument at the Speers Road crane training facility. Expected to be complete in September, the monument is a tribute to workers who lose their lives on construction sites. | photo by David Lea Oakville Beaver (Follow on Twitter @halton_photog or facebook.com/HaltonPhotog) as a reminder of the need to focus on health and safety in the workplace every minute of every day. Oakville Mayor Rob Burton said it is important to spread the message that workers have the right to be safe; the right to ask questions about the tasks they have been instructed to do; and the right to refuse unsafe work. Burton said Oakville has seen construction of 800,000 squarefeet worth of public facilities without serious injuries or deaths in re- cent years. He attributes the safety record to the hiring of only signatory companies -- which met with audience applause. The future memorial, designed by artist Patrick Bermingham, is deeply appreciated by Richard and Marilyn Gerritsen, whose son Robert will be remembered there. Robert Gerritsen, 33, was killed on Sept. 17, 1995 while working at a steel plant in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont. "You want to bring these (deaths) out into the open and talk about them. I wasn't able to do that for a long time, but I can now. I think this will help with that," said Richard. "I think this is beneficial. It is needed and I think you will see more unions follow in these steps." While the total cost of the memorial is not available, Gallagher said Dufferin Construction is contributing $40,000 to help with building the foundation while Bermingham Construction is donating $25,000 and the Crane Rental Association of Ontario is giving $10,000 for construction costs. 200 200,000 P PLAYERS L AYERS O ONE NE R REALLY EALLY FUN GAME BRODY AGE 6 TIMBITS SOCCER April 1st - July 31st, 2014. Cash in on these fantastic savings. 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Mississauga 905-822-4211 www.currentpowerinc.ca TRUSTEE POSITION available with the Halton District School Board A trustee vacancy exists in Milton (Wards 1, 6, 7 & 8) for the Halton District School Board, effective immediately for the balance of the electoral term (to November 30, 2014). Qualified candidates from throughout the Region of Halton may apply. Candidates must be: · A Canadian citizen · Of the age of 18 years or older · A resident within the jurisdiction of the Halton District School Board · A public school supporter A Board employee is not eligible for appointment. Candidates must submit the application (available on the Halton District School Board website www.hdsb.ca) accompanied with their resume and verification of qualifications* to: "Trustee Application" Attn: Director & Secretary of the Board Halton District School Board PO Box 5005, Stn. LCD 1, Burlington, Ontario L7R 3Z2 * "Proof of qualification" documents are listed on the Halton District School Board Kelly Amos website: www.hdsb.ca. Chair of the Board Applications can be faxed to:(905) 335-4447, or via e-mail to: director@hdsb.ca Deadline for applications is June 18, 2014, 4 p.m. David Euale Candidates will be contacted via the email submitted on the application, regarding Director of Education confirmation of qualifications, and interview times. With Timbits Soccer, the first goal really is having fun. And with over 200,000 kids playing Timbits Soccer, that's a whole lot of smiling faces. Tim Hortons is proud to support each and every one of these kids, along with your local Tim Hortons Restaurant Owners who are excited to be a part of this by supporting over 1,500 Timbits Soccer players in Oakville. © Tim Hortons, 2013 THE FIRST GOAL IS HAVING FUN ®