Marked annually in Canada on April 28th, the National Day of Mourning is dedicated to remembering those who have lost their lives, suffered injury or illness on the job, or experienced a work-related tragedy. On this day, Service Hospitality renews its commitment to improving occupational health and safety in the workplace.
Please take a moment of silence with us today to remember #DayOfMourning
This day is not just a day of remembrance; it is a day to honour those lives lost or injured due to workplace tragedies. In 2021, Saskatchewan recorded 31 workplace deaths. To help commemorate the Day of Mourning in your workplace, download this year’s poster here.
On this day, Saskatchewan also renews its commitment to improving occupational health and safety in the workplace. These are not just numbers; with each workplace tragedy and loss of life, there are family members, friends and co-workers left behind whose worlds were turned upside down and forever changed. The Saskatchewan legislature will read the names of those who lost their lives to their work into the Provincial Record. The Canadian Labour Congress inscribes the names in the National Registry in Ottawa.
Individuals are encouraged to actively promote health and safety as a vibrant part of workplace culture. Take time to recognize those affected by work-related illnesses, injuries and deaths by looking for ways to improve health and safety in the workplace, observing moments of silence and wearing ribbons or armbands.
The history behind National Day of Mourning
In 1984, the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) began to celebrate Workers’ Memorial Day. On April 28, 1985, the Canadian Labour Congress officially declared it an annual national day of remembrance. In December 1990, the Workers Mourning Day Act passed in Parliament, making April 28 the annual Canadian National Day of Mourning. The Day of Mourning has since spread to about 80 countries worldwide.
This day focuses our attention on these workplace tragedies and reminds us that there is more work to do in workplace health and safety.
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