Honouring Lives Lost on the National Day of Mourning

April 28 marks a solemn day across Canada and in many countries around the world: the National Day of Mourning for Persons Killed or Injured in the Workplace. It's a day dedicated to remembering and honouring those who went to work but never returned home, or whose lives were irrevocably changed by injury or illness sustained in the course of their employment. While we often hear about workplace safety statistics, this day calls us to look beyond the numbers. It urges us to remember the individuals – the mothers, fathers, siblings, children, friends, and colleagues – whose absence leaves an unfillable void. It's a day steeped in remembrance, but also a powerful call to action to protect the living. 

The roots of the Day of Mourning trace back to the Canadian labour movement. In 1984, the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) established April 28th as a day of remembrance, choosing the date to commemorate the 70th anniversary of Ontario passing its first comprehensive Workers' Compensation Act in 1914. The movement gained momentum, and following years of advocacy, the federal government officially recognized the National Day of Mourning through the Workers Mourning Day Act in 1991. Since then, the observance has spread globally. Now recognized in about 100 countries as Workers' Memorial Day, it serves as an international reminder of the unacceptable human cost of unsafe work and the shared responsibility to prevent future tragedies. It is easy to become desensitized to statistics, but the figures surrounding workplace incidents represent profound personal loss and hardship. According to the Association of Workers' Compensation Boards of Canada (AWCBC), 1,057 workplace fatalities were recorded in Canada in 2023. This figure includes deaths from traumatic incidents and occupational diseases. Tragically, 29 of those lost were young workers aged 15-24, their potential extinguished far too soon. 

Beyond fatalities, the impact of non-fatal incidents is staggering. In 2023, there were 274,022 accepted claims for lost time due to work-related injuries or illnesses across Canada, with over 32,000 involving young workers. Each incident can mean chronic pain, disability, financial strain, and immense emotional distress for workers and their families. It's crucial to remember that these statistics often only capture reported and accepted claims, meaning the true toll is likely even greater, particularly concerning occupational diseases which can take years to develop and diagnose. In the United States, the picture is similarly grim. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported 5,283 fatal work injuries in 2023. While this was a slight decrease from the previous year, it still means a worker died from a work-related injury, on average, every 99 minutes. Furthermore, the AFL-CIO's 2025 "Death on the Job" report, using 2023 data, estimates that an additional 135,304 workers died from occupational diseases. The BLS also recorded 2.6 million nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses in private industry alone in 2023. The data also highlights significant disparities, with Black and Latino workers disproportionately dying on the job at rates higher than the national average. 

The Day of Mourning carries a vital dual message: "Mourn for the Dead, Fight for the Living." While remembrance is paramount, the day equally serves as a powerful call to action. It compels us to reflect on the conditions that lead to these tragedies and to renew our collective commitment to creating safer, healthier workplaces. 

• Strong Regulations: Governments must enact and enforce robust occupational health and safety laws. 

• Employer Responsibility: Employers have a legal and moral obligation to provide a safe work environment, including proper training, equipment, and procedures, fostering a culture where safety is paramount. 

• Worker Participation: Workers must be empowered with the right to know about hazards, the right to participate in safety discussions and decisions, and the right to refuse unsafe work without fear of reprisal. 

• Awareness and Education: Continuous education on hazard recognition, risk assessment, and safe work practices is essential for everyone. 

• Addressing Systemic Issues: Tackling issues like precarious work, long hours, inadequate staffing, and workplace stress is crucial for overall worker well-being. 

Observing the Day 

There are many ways individuals and organizations can observe the National Day of Mourning: 

• A Moment of Silence: Participate in a moment of silence, often held at 11:00 a.m. 

• Lower Flags: Lower flags on buildings to half-mast. 

• Wear a Symbol: Wear a black ribbon, armband, or commemorative pin. 

• Attend Ceremonies: Participate in local events organized by labour unions, safety associations, or community groups. 

• Promote Awareness: Share information about the Day of Mourning and workplace safety on social media or within your workplace. 

• Engage in Safety Dialogue: Use the day as an opportunity to discuss health and safety concerns and reaffirm commitments to prevention. 

• Support Victims' Families: Organizations like Threads of Life provide support to families affected by workplace tragedies. 

Today, let us pause to remember those we have lost. Let us honour their memory not just with sorrow, but with a renewed dedication to action. Every worker deserves to return home safe and healthy at the end of the day. Let's work together to make that right a reality.