Please remember to observe the National Day of Mourning on April 28
The National Day of Mourning is observed annually on April 28 in Canada.
On this day, we remember and honour those who have died, suffered an injury, or been stricken by illness at work or due to their work. We also recognize countless others—each worker’s family, friends, and communities—who must also endure the lasting effects of workplace incidents.
According to the WSIB, around 300 people die in Ontario each year due to either a workplace accident or occupational disease, with a significant number of traumatic deaths occurring in the construction and transportation sectors. Hundreds more workers suffer life-altering injuries.
None of us can truly understand the impact of a life-altering injury or occupational disease, or suffering the loss of a loved one to a workplace incident, unless we experience it or live through it. The Day of Mourning gives us a chance to recognize all those impacted by work-related tragedies, and to ask ourselves what we can do to prevent further injuries, illnesses, and deaths.
We must remember that regardless of the industry, there are hazards that, if not controlled, can result in grave harm. But the risks are ever-present and often more significant in the construction, electrical utilities, and transportation sectors IHSA serves. We all need to ensure that systems, policies, and practices to prevent injuries, illnesses, and fatalities are implemented each and every day.
By marking this day each year, we reaffirm our commitment to continually improving health and safety in workplaces in Ontario and across the country.
There are several ways you or your organization can observe the day, including laying wreaths, lighting candles, or flying Canadian flags at half mast. This year, I have encouraged all IHSA staff to pause for a moment of reflection at 11 a.m. on April 28. We invite all workplaces to do the same—and to focus their efforts on preventing workplace incidents.
Everyone has a role to play: employers, workers, buyers of service, government, and service providers such as IHSA. We must all make health and safety a foundational priority, and implement policies, practices, and systems that support this commitment and strive for continual improvement.
For more about how we can all pay our respects to workers, view IHSA’s 2024 Day of Mourning message on YouTube.
Sincerely,
Enzo Garritano, President and CEO of IHSA
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Please remember to observe the National Day of Mourning on April 28