HAMILTON, ONT. – The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) is asking and reminding all workplaces to observe a moment of silence at 11 a.m. on April 28 in memory of those who have lost their lives or suffered an injury or illness due to their work as part of the Day of Mourning.
Traditionally, on April 28, the Canadian flag flies at half-mast on Parliament Hill and on all federal government buildings. Employers and workers observe the Day of Mourning in a variety of ways. Some light candles, lay wreaths, wear commemorative pins, ribbons or black armbands and pause for the moment of silence.
Organizations, workers and communities can also renew their commitment to protecting all workers and preventing future workplace tragedies during this time, the CCOHS outlines.
According to the Association of Workers’ Compensation Boards of Canada, in 2023 there were 1,057 workplace fatalities recorded in Canada. Among these deaths were 29 young workers aged 15 to 24, the CCOHS notes.
There were also 274,022 accepted claims for lost time due to a work-related injury or disease, including 32,861 from workers aged 15 to 24.
For more information about the Day of Mourning, including free resources to help raise awareness, visit www.ccohs.ca/events/mourning.
