National Day of Mourning – April 28
April 28 is recognized across Canada as the National Day of Mourning, a day to remember and honour those who have lost their lives, been injured, or suffered illness as a result of workplace incidents or occupational exposure.
Each year, thousands of workers across Canada are impacted by workplace tragedies. These may include fatal incidents, occupational diseases, long-term injuries, and work-related psychological harm.
According to the Association of Workers' Compensation Boards of Canada, there were approximately 1,057 workplace fatalities recorded in Canada in 2023. In the same year, over 274,000 accepted claims were made for lost time due to work-related injury or illness. These figures represent only reported cases, meaning the true impact is likely even greater.
Behind every number is a person, and behind every person are families, friends, and coworkers whose lives are deeply affected. This day is a reminder of that human impact, and of our shared responsibility to prevent future harm.
A moment to reflect
At 11:00 am on April 28, Canadians are encouraged to pause for a moment of silence to:
- Remember those who have lost their lives due to workplace incidents
- Honour workers living with injury or illness
- Reflect on the importance of preventing future workplace harm
A call to action
While this day is one of remembrance, it is also a reminder that prevention matters every day. We can all contribute to safer workplaces by:
- Reporting hazards, incidents, and near misses
- Following safe work procedures and using equipment properly
- Participating in training and safety awareness initiatives
- Looking out for one another in our daily work
Together, these actions help build a stronger culture of safety, awareness, and care.
For more information
Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety – CCOHS: Day of Mourning
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