WINNIPEG – On August 19, 1999 Tami Helgeson’s life changed forever when she found out her son was not coming home from work.
“I had to call everywhere to figure out what was going on,” said Helgeson. “I didn’t know if he lived for a while or if he was killed instantly.”
Eric Helgeson died after he was caught in a collapse on a construction site. He is one of many employees who have lost their lives because of unsafe working conditions.
That’s why hundreds of Manitobans are trying to raise awareness about the importance of safety on the job.
“Workplace tragedies don’t have to happen… that’s not part of going to work every day and maybe not coming home like our Brittany didn’t,” said Neil Murray who lost his daughter Brittany Murray in 2010. She was killed while working along a highway near Winnipeg.
“It’s important for people to be aware that sometimes these simple things like watching your speed… in construction zones can make a huge difference and save a life,” said Charlene Harrison, Brittany’s mom.
More than $20,000 in donations from the walk at Kildonan Park Sunday will go towards helping families and friends suffering from accidents at work.
“In Manitoba, 13 people died last year as a result of a workplace injury… and then in addition there was also another 13 who died from occupational diseases,” said Veronica Suszynski, who organized the walk.
The goal is to educate others and save lives by preventing future tragedies.
“If one person listens and thinks about what I’ve said and doesn’t do something at work or asks questions at work then maybe I’ve made a difference and Eric didn’t die for anything,” said Helgeson.
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