Article Text
Abstract
Background In 2003 the Canadian Young Worker Memorial Quilt was completed and unveiled in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. One hundred Canadian families, representing each province of Canada and many workplace sectors, gave of themselves and worked with their grief to help create a unique piece of art to better demonstrate the magnitude of young workers who lost their lives on the job. With the Canadian Quilt as inspiration a group in South Australia set about developing their own quilt.
Aims/Objectives/Purpose To develop a quilt, videos and stories that not only commemorates those who have died, but also the enormous impact and emotional toll on the victim's families, friends and the community.
Methods From March 2011 to March 2012 workshops were held most Friday's at a donated work space. Those not based in the metropolitan area who wanted to be involved, were emailed instructions and posted materials.
Results/Outcome Over 70 people were involved in the development of the quilt. Three families recorded their stories on DVD and those three families along with three other families whose loved ones were killed in the same incident contributed to written stories.
Significance/Contribution to the Field Families were able to share their stories not only helping others in similar situations, but also to advocate for safety to prevent these tragedies from occurring again.