Day of Mourning: The Impact of Workplace Tragedy

Written by Amethyst Zapisocky, ESPC Volunteer.

For over 30 years, the National Day of Mourning, also known as Workers’ Memorial Day, has been honoured on April 28th to remember those who have lost their lives, been injured, suffered illnesses, or experienced tragedy in the workplace (Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, 2024a). This day further advocates for the safety of all workers across all occupations by educating the public and preventing further loss (Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, 2024a). The Day of Mourning has been observed in Canada since the Canadian Labour Congress established it in 1984, but was not officially recognized by the Canadian government through legislation until 1991 (Association of Workers’ Compensation Boards of Canada, n.d.a). Today, it is honoured in approximately 100 countries, and many participate by holding vigils, wearing black ribbons or armbands, and holding a moment of silence at 11 a.m. (Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, 2024a).  Locally, on April 28th, the Canadian flag will fly at half-mast at The Peace Tower in Ottawa and on all Government of Canada buildings (Government of Canada, 2021).

Prevalence of Occupational Harm

The International Labour Organization (ILO) estimates that 2.3 million workers worldwide have been harmed by workplace accidents or diseases (International Labour Organization, n.d.a). These illnesses and accidents account for around 6000 deaths per day, and it seems occurrences of ill health are increasing (International Labour Organization, n.d.a). According to the ILO, disease is the most common cause of work-related death, with hazardous substances accounting for around 651,279 fatalities a year (International Labour Organization, n.d.a). Globally, every 15 seconds, 1 worker dies, 151 workplace injuries are reported, and 76 non-fatal diseases are reported (BCFED Health & Safety Centre, n.d.). The ILO has an extensive database that provides international labour statistics and policies.

According to the Association of Workers’ Compensation Boards of Canada (AWCBC), in Canada there were 348,747 lost time claims for work-related injuries with 993 reported fatalities in 2022 (Association of Workers’ Compensation Boards of Canada, n.d.b). That same year in Alberta, there were 37,814 lost time claims with a reported 161 fatalities (Association of Workers’ Compensation Boards of Canada, n.d.b) and in 2023, 165 Albertan fatalities (Workers Compensation Board Alberta, n.d.). The AWCBC found that in 2022 most of the lost time claims were from the healthcare and social assistance industry (127,584), with the most fatalities in the construction industry (183). It is important to note that there is considerable underreporting of work-related injuries, deaths, and diseases, (International Labour Organization, n.d.a) meaning that the real number of workers who are harmed from their job(s) is an even larger concern than what these statistics indicate.

Who Does This Affect?

Anyone in the workforce can be at risk of experiencing injury or fatality, however, there are certain demographics important to consider. Newcomers are particularly vulnerable to employment dangers due to being in physically demanding jobs, having language barriers, and cultural differences (Institute for Work & Health, 2009), (Institute for Work & Health, 2022). Language barriers can limit the ability of immigrants to understand their rights as workers, to access information on safe practices, and to refuse unsafe work (Institute for Work & Health, 2009). Attention toward women’s health is also essential in work safety. There are occupational divides between men and women, both in the job itself (for example, women are more likely to be involved in informal occupations such as domestic work) and in rank (for example, women are less likely to be in positions of power) which can impact what hazards are of risk (Messing &  Östlin, 2006). The traditional workforce structure does not fully account for women’s needs such as in physical work and when pregnant or menstruating (Messing &  Östlin, 2006), (International Labour Organization, 2014). Discrimination for any marginalized community can hinder workplace safety, as it can limit opportunities and training (Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, 2024b). Furthermore, workers deserve to feel safe enough to learn, contribute, and challenge authority concerning occupational risks without fear of discrimination or punishment (Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, 2024b). Workplace harm impacts business owners, individuals and the economy through time loss and compensation claims. In 2022, the Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) of Alberta spent around $345 million for over 57,000 claims (Government of Alberta, 2023).

Ways To Improve Occupational Safety

While the Day of Mourning is largely focused on remembering and honouring those who have been hurt or killed at work, it comes with that a duty to consider ways to improve safety to prevent more loss in the future. Ultimately, finding ways to minimize workplace harm requires coordination and participation from policymakers, employers, and workers (International Labour Organization, n.d.b). The ILO has a document (PDF) that outlines how this can be done, and what measures should be taken to optimize work safety. Some suggestions from this document include providing proper training, having access to necessary personal protective equipment (PPE), reviewing, and implementing tested policies for safety, as well as the right to report or refuse unsafe work (International Labour Organization, n.d.b). Other actions can include: (BCFED Health & Safety Centre, n.d.)

• Continuing to share and learn safety education
• Demanding stronger regulations, precautions, and training for safety
• Identifying and reporting any hazards

The Edmonton Police Service offers some ways to enhance workplace safety from security threats. Some suggestions they have include knowing where exits are, reporting any broken equipment (for example, lights), and knowing where and how to access any emergency kits (Edmonton Police Service, n.d.).

How to Participate

There are many ways to honour this occasion, which include lighting candles, laying wreaths, or wearing a black armband or pin (Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, 2024a). A moment of silence can be observed at 11 a.m., and people can attend various events in their communities or participate through social media (for example, using the hashtag #DayOfMourning) (Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, 2024a).  For finding events in your community, The Canadian Labour Congress lists events planned across Canada.

Many people are impacted by occupational harm, by direct experience, or through a loved one, colleague, or community member. On April 28th we honour those afflicted and reflect upon ways to improve safety for protecting and empowering all workers.

References

Association of Workers’ Compensation Boards of Canada. (n.d.a). National day of mourning. Retrieved April 19, 2024, from https://awcbc.org/en/about/national-day-of-mourning/

Association of Workers’ Compensation Boards of Canada. (n.d.b). Canadian workers’ compensation system – 2022 year at a glance. Retrieved April 19, 2024, from https://awcbc.org/en/statistics/canadian-workers-compensation-system-year-at-a-glance/

BCFED Health & Safety Centre. (n.d.). Day of mourning – April 28th. Retrieved April 19, 2024, from https://www.healthandsafetybc.ca/resources/day-of-mourning/

Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety. (2024a, April 10). National day of mourning. Retrieved April 19, 2024, from https://www.ccohs.ca/events/mourning

Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety. (2024b, February 27). Diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. Retrieved April 19, 2024, from https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/psychosocial/diversity-equity-and-inclusion-in-the-workplace.html

Edmonton Police Service. (n.d.). Workplace safety. Retrieved April 19, 2024, from https://www.edmontonpolice.ca/CrimePrevention/CommunitySafety/WorkplaceSafety/WorkplaceSafety

Government of Alberta. (2023). Workplace injury, illness and fatality statistics: Provincial summary. Retrieved April 19, 2024, from https://open.alberta.ca/dataset/4fb90b70-7660-4553-98fc-a59574f8fd5a/resource/bbefc756-35ae-47f8-9f48-1ebea552371d/download/jet-workplace-injury-illness-fatality-stats-provincial-summary-2022.pdf

Government of Canada. (2021, November 5). Rules for half-masting the National Flag of Canada. Retrieved April 19, 2024, from https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/services/flag-canada-masting-rules.html

Institute for Work & Health. (2022). Employers struggle to provide newcomers with OHS training, support: IWH study. At Work, (10). Retrieved April 19, 2024, from https://www.iwh.on.ca/plain-language-summaries/employers-struggle-to-provide-newcomers-with-ohs-training-support-iwh-study

Institute for Work & Health. (2009, May). “Newness” and the risk of occupational injury. Retrieved April 19, 2024, from https://www.iwh.on.ca/plain-language-summaries/newness-and-risk-of-occupational-injury

International Labour Organization. (n.d.a). World statistic. Retrieved April 19, 2024, from https://www.ilo.org/moscow/areas-of-work/occupational-safety-and-health/WCMS_249278/lang–en/index.htm

International Labour Organization. (n.d.b). A safe and healthy working environment is a fundamental principle and right at work. Retrieved April 19, 2024, from https://www.ilo.org/wcmsp5/groups/public/—ed_dialogue/—lab_admin/documents/publication/wcms_850673.pdf

International Labour Organization. (2014, December 15). The gender dimension: Integrating the gender perspective in OSH policies. Retrieved April 19, 2024, from https://www.ilo.org/global/about-the-ilo/how-the-ilo-works/organigramme/governance/labadmin-osh/news/WCMS_329109/lang–en/index.htm

Messing, K., &  Östlin, P. (2006). Gender equality, work, and health: A review of the evidence. World Health Organization. https://iris.who.int/bitstream/handle/10665/43311/9241593539_eng.pdf?sequence=1

Workers Compensation Board Alberta. (n.d.). Day of mourning. Retrieved April 19, 2024, from https://www.wcb.ab.ca/about-wcb/community-partnerships/day-of-mourning/