The National Day of Mourning, observed this past weekend, is a day to remember and honour those lives lost or injured due to a workplace tragedy, but it is much more than a day of reflection—it is also a day to renew our nation’s commitment to improving health and safety in the workplace and to preventing further injuries, illnesses and deaths, far too many of which were preventable.
Those deaths and injuries are manifest, with few families remaining untouched by a loss. According to the Association of Workers’ Compensation Boards of Canada (AWCBC), there were 993 workplace fatalities recorded in Canada in 2022—33 young workers aged 15-24 were among those whose lives were cut short.
During that time, there were some 348,747 compensation claims filed. That’s an increase of 71,530 from the previous year for lost time due to a work-related injury or disease. Youth were also a significant portion of that statistic, with 40,203 of the claims coming from workers aged 15-24.
This is only the tip of the iceberg, as many injuries, particularly among more inexperienced workers, go unreported. The impact of workplace injuries and death goes far beyond these stark numerals. Behind every worker tragedy stand loved ones-—family members, friends and co-workers left behind whose lives are forever changed.
The National Day of Mourning is an opportunity for politicians of all stripes to stand in solidarity with workers and many fine words can be heard emanating from the pulpits and the pundits—but for many who are not directly impacted, the National Day of Mourning can pass unnoticed and unremarked.
Without meaningful action these words, no matter how well delivered or heartfelt, evaporate as quickly as they are emitted, becoming little more than odious hot air blowing into the ears of those bereaved family members who stand waiting for meaningful action. Too often, economic considerations trump action.
If the National Day of Mourning passed by unremarked in your world, take a moment to gaze upon your loved ones and imagine the impact their death or life-altering injury would have on your family. A moment of silent reflection does not need validation of a set date or moment of time passing on the face of a clock.
Our nation is experiencing one of the largest transfers of generational labour in its history, as millions of the baby boomer generation settle into retirement, their labour being taken up by younger, less experienced hands. Let us ensure that the phrase “safety first” is inculcated into every hour of their working day.
Let’s make 2024 the year that workplace injuries finally decline.
