A Legacy of Remembrance and Advocacy
Every year on April 28, Canadians pause to observe the National Day of Mourning — a solemn occasion dedicated to remembering workers who have lost their lives, suffered injuries, or become ill due to workplace-related incidents.
This day serves not only as a memorial, but as a call to action: to reinforce our commitment to workplace safety and health.
The origins of the National Day of Mourning trace back to 1984 when the Canadian Labour Congress first established April 28 as a day to honour workers affected by workplace tragedies. The date was chosen to commemorate the passing of Ontario’s first Workers’ Compensation Act in 1914. In 1991, the Canadian Parliament officially recognized this day through the Workers Mourning Day Act, solidifying its place in our national consciousness.
Today, the observance has extended beyond Canada’s borders, with over 100 countries recognizing April 28 as Workers’ Memorial Day or the International Day of Mourning.
The Human Cost Behind the Numbers
Workplace incidents continue to have a profound impact across the country.
In recent years, Canada has recorded over a thousand workplace fatalities annually — a devastating figure that includes dozens of young workers between the ages of 15 and 24. In addition, hundreds of thousands of workers suffer lost-time injuries or illnesses each year.
These numbers represent far more than statistics. Each case is a story of a life forever changed: of a family grieving, of a career cut short, of a community left reeling. Each incident reminds us of the critical importance of stringent health and safety measures in every workplace, every day.
Observing the Day: Reflection and Commitment
On April 28, flags across Canada are flown at half-mast. Moments of silence are observed at 11:00 a.m. Memorial events — both in-person and virtual — are held nationwide to honour workers who have been killed, injured, or made ill on the job.
Individuals and organizations often mark the day by:
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Attending local memorial events or virtual ceremonies
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Wearing black and yellow ribbons as symbols of remembrance
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Sharing messages of support and awareness
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Engaging in conversations about workplace safety and preventive practices
These acts of remembrance serve not only to honour those we have lost, but also to reinforce our shared responsibility to protect those still on the job.
Upholding Safety in the Blue-Collar Sector
At Blue Collar Consulting, we recognize the unique challenges faced by workers in physically demanding industries.
The National Day of Mourning is a powerful reminder of why proactive safety measures, comprehensive training, and a true culture of prevention are non-negotiable. Workers must never feel like expendable parts of a machine — their health, safety, and dignity must be paramount.
We are committed to helping organizations implement meaningful health and safety programs, cultivate genuine safety cultures, and ensure that no worker is left behind.
Moving Forward: A Collective Responsibility
As we reflect on the significance of April 28, let us renew our dedication to preventing workplace tragedies.
By advocating for stronger safety standards, investing in education, and maintaining a culture of vigilance, we honour the memory of those we have lost — and we protect the futures of those still at work.
Together, we can create safer workplaces, and ensure that every worker returns home to their loved ones at the end of the day.
