Observed annually on April 28, National Day of Mourning (Canada) / Workers Memorial Day (US) is dedicated to remembering those who have lost their lives or suffered injury or illness on the job or due to a work-related tragedy.
It is not only a day to remember and honor 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.
The most recent statistics from the Association of Workers’ Compensation Boards of Canada (AWCBC) tell us that in 2020, 921 workplace fatalities were recorded in Canada. Among these deaths, 20 were under the age of 25. In the United States, the Bureau of Labor and Statistics recorded 4,764 fatalities for the same year, where 352 were under the age of 25.
With each worker tragedy there are loved ones, family members, friends and co-workers who are directly affected, left behind, and deeply impacted – their lives also forever changed.
Today and every day, we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring everyone goes home safely.
