April 22, 2024
Marked annually in Canada on April 28th, the National Day of Mourning is dedicated to remembering those who have lost their lives or suffered injury or illness due to a workplace tragedy.
First held in 1984 by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), the Day of Mourning was adopted officially by the Canadian Labour Congress in 1986. More than 100 countries now observe the Day too. The observance of this day is meant to honour the lives of workers lost, but it is also a collective committment to improving health and safety conditions in the workplace, and to prevent further injuries, illnesses, and deaths.
On Sunday, April 28, 2024 the Workers’ Health and Safety Legal Clinic welcome all to reflect on this day. We encourage organizations, employees, communities, and individuals to hold or support an event, or to simply observe a moment of silence at 11am on April 28.
Attend an Event
The Worker Health and Safety Centre (WHSC) has created a listing highlighting the 2024 Day of Mourning events taking place across Ontario. Please Note: Due to the National Day of Mourning falling on a Sunday this year, some regional events will be held on Friday, April 26, 2024.
- Click here for more information.
Visit a Worker Memorial in your area
Memorials have been and continue to be erected in Ontario communities to highlight and honour those lost due to workplace tragedies. Thanks to the fundraising and organizing efforts of workers, health and safety activists and other concerned citizens, the WHSC has a Worker Memorial webpage.
- Click Here for more information.
Protect your health and safety!
We all can look towards taking steps in creating a safer workplace:
- Educate yourself and others about health and safety rights, responsibilities and prevention measures
- Request training that supports the identification, assessment and control of workplace hazards
- Insist on effective workplace prevention programs developed with full worker participation
- Share information that highlights the need for continued efforts to stop preventable workplace injuries and deaths.
Other Resources:
- Injured Worker Online(IWO) website is supported by Injured Workers Community Legal Clinic (IWC), an independent non-partisan legal aid clinic, for the injured worker community.
- What Every Injured Worker Needs to Know
- Quick Tips: Workers’ Compensation in Ontario
- Work Safe: Your Health and Safety at Work
For more information on the Workers’ Health and Safety Legal Clinic and our services, or if you have have been fired or punished for speaking out about your health and safety rights, then please contact us.
Image credit: ccohs.ca