"Tourist – Take Care of Yourself”. That sign says it all. While this particular sign was displayed about half-way down as we were descending into a cenotes (Spanish for “sink hole”), it accurately describes safety precautions throughout Mexico: look out for yourself, because no one else will! As we observed workers in buildings, on resort grounds and city employees, it was obvious there is little regard for worker safety or even for life. The struggle to meet everyday needs is so great among the working poor in Mexico, things like labour or safety legislation are far from the minds of people and their politicians. My husband, a trades person, could not believe the danger employees face on their jobs, whether it was unsafe methods or unsecured job sites. How fortunate we are to live in Canada and in particular in Saskatchewan, where we have led the world in safety in the workplace legislation. While we may sometimes complain about “big” government or that the government interferes in our lives too much, here there is a regard for life and a respect for the wellbeing of our workers. Those who came before us and wrote the laws that continue to protect us today had great insight and a strong respect for the workforce. Knowing our work environment – and those of our loved ones – is as safe as possible, under the law . . . it’s a good thing!
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