The National Day of Mourning is being recognized in Okotoks.

Flags throughout town are being flown at half-mast to honour the day that recognizes workplace related tragedies.

Each year the day falls on April 28 and originally began in 1981.

Brad Bruneau, health and safety advisor for the Town of Okotoks, says the statistics around workplace related tragedies are shocking.

"It's quite appalling, each year in Alberta we typically lose between 30 and 50 workers in traumatic workplace events."

Bruneau says last year about 100 Albertans died as a result from work related illness, which is often some type of cancer or exposure to asbestos.

It was decided earlier in the year the Town will recognize occasions like the National Day of Mourning.

"Usually in early April the mayor and council make a proclamation to lower the flags to commemorate the National Day of Mourning on April 28, and of course we lower them whenever a diplomat or significant Canadian has passed away."

Bruneau says on Wednesday two workers died as a result of workplace tragedies near Edmonton and Red Deer.

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