News Health & Safety
National Day of Mourning to be observed Sunday to honour those injured or killed on job

The National Day of Mourning will be observed this Sunday to honour those who have lost their lives, have been injured, or suffered an illness due to their work.

Every year, thousands of workers in Canada are injured or killed on the job. According to the Association of Workers’ Compensation Boards of Canada (AWCBC), in 2022, there were 993 workplace fatalities recorded in Canada, 33 of which were young workers aged 15-24. Additionally, 348,747 accepted claims were reported for lost time due to work-related injuries or diseases. These statistics only include what is reported and accepted by the compensation boards. It is predicted that the total number of workers affected is even greater.

“The National Day of Mourning is an opportunity to create awareness about workplace safety and reminds us to renew our commitment to ensure every worker goes home safe and healthy at the end of the workday,” Anne Tennier, president and chief executive officer, Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS), said. “Everyone can participate in the National Day of Mourning by taking a moment of silence at 11 a.m. on April 28 to remember those who lost their lives or experienced a life altering injury or illness due to their work.”

More information about the National Day of Mourning, including resources to help spread awareness in the workplace, is available on the CCOHS website: www.ccohs.ca/events/mourning.