National day of mourning

Each year, Canada reserves April 28 to mark a National Day of Mourning, dedicated to remembering those who have lost their lives, or suffered injury or illness on the job or due to a work-related tragedy.

Next Wednesday’s National Day of Mourning is not only a day to remember and honour those lives lost or injured due to a workplace tragedy, but also to collectively renew our commitment to improve health and safety in the workplace and prevent further injuries, illnesses and deaths.

Statistics from the Association of Workers’ Compensation Boards of Canada tell us that in 2019, 925 workplace fatalities were recorded in Canada. There were an additional 271,806 accepted claims (an increase from 264,438 the previous year) for lost time due to a work-related injury or disease, including 33,615 from workers aged 15-24. However, these statistics only include what is reported and accepted by the compensation boards.

There is no doubt that the total number of workers impacted is even greater. We must take time also to remember the loved ones, friends and co-workers who are affected in each of these tragedies, their lives deeply affected and changed forever.

Source: https://www.ccohs.ca/events/mourning/. Accessed: April 20, 2021.