April 28, known as the Day of Mourning, has been observed annually since 1984 by the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) and was officially recognized by the Parliament of Canada in 1991. This date corresponds with the passing of the Ontario Worker’s Compensation Act on April 28, 1914.
On this day, we pause to remember and honour those who have lost their lives or been injured due to workplace tragedies. Yet, there is still much work to be done.
In 2023, Canada recorded 1,057 workplace fatalities, an increase from 993 deaths in 2022, according to the Association of Workers’ Compensation Boards of Canada (AWCBC). On average, one worker dies every eight hours—a devastating reality when no one should be harmed at work.
Of the 1,057 fatalities, 400 occurred in Ontario, including 15 young workers aged 15 to 24. Each of these tragedies was preventable.
If you see something unsafe, speak up. By doing so, you could be saving a family member, a friend, a neighbor, a colleague—or even yourself.
We encourage everyone to take a more active role in preventing workplace tragedies. Speak up about hazards, join your workplace Health and Safety Committee, review their minutes, get First Aid certified, or become a First Aid Attendant.
Together, we can create safer workplaces for everyone.
Resources:
National Day of Mourning – April 28 video
CCOHS National Day of Mourning