National Day of Mourning: Remembering Lives, Strengthening Workplace Safety

April 28 matters. The National Day of Mourning exists to honour people who went to work and didn’t come home, or who came home with injuries or illnesses that changed their lives. It is also a day to renew a shared commitment to safer workplaces. The Government of Canada formally recognizes this responsibility.

Data from the Association of Workers’ Compensation Boards of Canada (AWCBC) shows that in 2023, 1,057 people in Canada lost their lives due to workplace incidents. Among them were 29 workers between the ages of 15 and 24.

There were also 274,022 accepted lost-time claims tied to work-related injuries or illnesses, including 32,861 involving young workers. These figures reflect reported cases, which means the full impact is likely greater.

Each number represents someone with a life outside of work. Families, friends, colleagues and communities feel those effects long after the incident. That is why safety needs to be experienced by workers as something real and consistent, not just stated.

For people entering new roles, especially contract or temporary positions, confidence in their safety matters. They should be able to trust that the environment they are stepping into has been properly assessed and prepared.

Safety starts before day one

From a worker’s perspective, clarity matters. A job posting should reflect what the work is actually like. If a role involves working at heights, exposure to chemicals or repetitive strain, that should be clear from the start.

The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (COOHS) points to hazard identification as one of the first steps in preventing injuries. When workers understand the risks ahead of time, they can prepare, ask questions and make informed decisions before they arrive on site.

Field work comes with real risk

Construction, energy and logistics roles carry higher exposure to injury. AWCBC data shows these sectors continue to account for a large share of serious incidents. Workers in these environments rely on consistent safety practices. Proper protective equipment, site-specific orientations and supervisors who take safety seriously all contribute to a stronger sense of control and awareness on the job.

When those elements are in place, workers are better positioned to focus on their tasks and look out for one another. Staffing partners also play a role by understanding the conditions workers are entering and helping set clear expectations before day one.

Manufacturing depends on discipline

Manufacturing sites run on systems, but workers are the ones who bring those systems to life. CCOHS guidance points to the importance of machine guarding and safe processes, alongside worker awareness. When equipment is maintained, expectations are realistic and reporting is encouraged, workers are more likely to raise concerns early. That kind of environment helps prevent small issues from becoming serious incidents.

Consistency builds trust, and trust supports safer behaviour.

Offices have quieter risks

Office settings come with a different set of challenges, but they still affect workers over time. Poor ergonomics can lead to ongoing discomfort. Heavy workloads and unclear expectations can lead to stress and burnout. Statistics Canada has highlighted the growing impact of mental health challenges in the workplace.

When organizations invest in proper equipment, manageable workloads and supportive leadership, workers are better able to stay healthy and productive. These changes are often simple, but they make a meaningful difference day to day.

Shared responsibility needs to be clear

From a worker’s point of view, safety should feel consistent regardless of employment type. When contractors are involved, roles and responsibilities need to be clearly understood. Employers shape the environment, while staffing partners help ensure workers are prepared to enter it.

The Government of Canada outlines three core worker rights, including:

1. The right to know about hazards.
2. The right to participate in safety discussions.
3. The right to refuse unsafe work.

When these rights are supported in practice, workers are more likely to speak up and take an active role in maintaining a safe workplace.

A day that should lead to action

The National Day of Mourning is about remembering, but it is also about moving forward.

For workers, safety shows up in clear communication, consistent practices and the ability to raise concerns without hesitation. These are the conditions that help people do their jobs with confidence.

Progress is built through everyday actions. When safety is treated as part of the job, not separate from it, Canadian workplaces become stronger and more resilient for everyone.

FAQs for Employers

Q1. Why is the National Day of Mourning important for employers?

It serves as a reminder that workplace safety has real consequences. Beyond compliance, it’s about ensuring every worker, including contractors, returns home safely and feels protected on the job.

Q2. What role do staffing partners play in worker safety?

Staffing partners help prepare workers before placement by sharing accurate job details, confirming qualifications and ensuring candidates understand potential risks. They also act as a bridge between the worker and employer when safety concerns arise.

Q3. How can employers improve safety for contract and temporary workers?

By treating them the same as permanent employees when it comes to onboarding, training and access to safety resources. Clear communication and site-specific orientation are key.

Q4. What information should workers receive before starting a role?

Workers should understand job duties, potential hazards, required safety equipment and who to report concerns to. Early clarity helps prevent confusion and reduces risk.

Q5. How can organizations create a culture where workers speak up about safety?

By making it clear that reporting concerns is expected and supported. Workers are more likely to raise issues when they know they will be taken seriously and not face negative consequences.

Q6. What rights do workers have when it comes to workplace safety?

Workers have the right to know about hazards, participate in safety discussions and refuse unsafe work, as outlined by the Government of Canada.