April 25, 2018 – Hamilton, ON – Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS)
On the National Day of Mourning, April 28th the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) reminds us to remember those who died, were injured or made ill from their work. Day of Mourning has also become a time to renew commitment to protecting workers and preventing further workplace tragedies.
Employers and workers will observe the National Day of Mourning in a variety of ways. Some will attend ceremonies in their communities, light candles, lay wreaths, wear commemorative pins, ribbons or black armbands, and pause for a moment of silence at 11:00 a.m.
Media and the public can commemorate the day and participate in the National Day of Mourning by:
- Visiting www.ccohs.ca/events/mourning to access and share social media assets, podcasts, and free resources to help promote awareness and prevention in the workplace.
- Downloading CCOHS’ Day of Mourning Facebook Cover Photo to increase awareness and show support of this day.
More information about the National Day of Mourning can be found on the CCOHS website: www.ccohs.ca/events/mourning/.
Quick Facts
- In 2017, 951 workplace fatalities were recorded in Canada (an increase of 46 from the previous year). Among those dead were 23 young workers aged 15-24. Statistics source: Association of Workers’ Compensation Boards of Canada (AWCBC).
- Add to these fatalities the 251,508 accepted claims for lost time due to a work-related injury or disease, coupled with the fact that these statistics only include what is reported and accepted by the compensation boards, and there is no doubt that the total number of workers impacted is even greater. Statistics source: Association of Workers’ Compensation Boards of Canada (AWCBC).
- Young workers aged 15-24 made up 31,441 accepted claims from for lost time due to a work-related injury or disease. Statistics source: Association of Workers’ Compensation Boards of Canada (AWCBC).
- In 1991, eight years after the day of remembrance was launched by the Canadian Labour Congress, the Parliament of Canada passed the Workers Mourning Day Act making April 28 an official Day of Mourning.
- The Day of Mourning has since spread to about 100 countries around the world and is also recognized as Workers’ Memorial Day and as International Workers' Memorial Day by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC).
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