Canadians observe the National Day of Mourning

Workers killed or injured in work-related incidents honoured

April 28 marks the National Day of Mourning to honour workers who have been killed, injured or suffered illness as a result of work-related incidents.

The commemorative day — first observed in Canada — is recognized in 80 countries.

Despite increasing awareness of the importance of workplace safety, as many as 1,000 Canadian workers lose their lives on the job each year.

Young workers are more likely to suffer a workplace injury than adults. Though they work ten per cent of the hours of all workers, young employees suffer injuries at a rate of 16 per cent.

“Injuries, illnesses or deaths caused by work-related accidents deeply affect our families and communities,” said Minister of Labour Kellie Leitch. “Through the combined efforts — employers, employees, governments and organizations — we can help reduce workplace illnesses and injuries.”

North American Occupational Safety and Health (NAOSH) Week follows the National Day of Mourning as another opportunity to focus attention on the importance of occupational health and safety.

“We all have a responsibility of ensuring that Canada’s most valuable resources — workers of all ages — have fair, safe and healthy workplaces,” Leitch said.

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