April 28 is the National Day of Mourning across Canada. It is a day to pause, remember and honour those lives lost or injured due to a workplace tragedy, but also a day to collectively renew our commitment to improve health and safety in the workplace and prevent further injuries, illnesses, and deaths.
We would also like to acknowledge the daily contributions of our Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC) and the Wellness Advisory Group (WAG) in supporting healthcare worker well-being and safety at Women’s College Hospital.
History
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. Today the Day of Mourning has since spread to more than 100 countries around the world and is recognized as Workers’ Memorial Day, and as International Workers’ Memorial Day by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC).
It is the hope of the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) that the annual observance of this day will help strengthen the resolve to establish safe and healthy conditions in the workplace, and prevent further injuries, illnesses, and deaths. As much as this is a day to remember those who have lost their lives, it is also a call to protect the living and make work a place where people are safe and can thrive.
Beyond the statistics
In 2023 the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) recorded 92 lives lost. In addition, there were 70,930 lost time claims and 104,440 no-lost time claims allowed due to work-related injuries.
We encourage everyone to observe a moment of silence at 11:00 am on April 28.