Ontario pauses for Day of Mourning today, renewing commitment to safety
Ontario Construction News staff writer
The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety is encouraging workplaces across the country to pause at 11 a.m. today for a moment of silence, marking the National Day of Mourning and remembering those who have lost their lives, been injured or developed illness as a result of their work. The observance serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining safe, healthy worksites and the shared responsibility of employers, supervisors and workers to prevent future tragedies.
Traditionally, on April 28, the Canadian flag flies at half-mast on Parliament Hill and on all federal government buildings. Employers and workers observe the Day of Mourning in a variety of ways. Some light candles, lay wreaths, wear commemorative pins, ribbons or black armbands and pause for the moment of silence.
Occupational disease remains the leading cause of work-related deaths in Ontario and across Canada, accounting for about three-quarters of all fatalities recorded by the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board.
The latest available data shows more than 300 workers die each year from workplace causes in the province, with about 200 to 230 deaths linked to occupational disease and 60 to 80 resulting from traumatic incidents such as falls, equipment-related events and motor vehicle collisions.
The figures are being highlighted as workers, employers and communities mark the National Day of Mourning today, as workers, employers and communities honour those who have been killed, injured or made ill on the job.
Occupational diseases, often tied to long-term exposure to hazards such as asbestos, silica dust, diesel exhaust and chemical agents, can take years or decades to develop, meaning many of today’s fatalities are linked to past working conditions.
In construction, exposures to airborne hazards remain a persistent concern, particularly in demolition, renovation and heavy civil work.
Safety advocates say the data underscores the need for continued vigilance, including proper use of protective equipment, enforcement of exposure limits and ongoing worker training.
Employers are required under Ontario law to maintain safe worksites, while workers have the right to know about hazards, participate in health and safety activities and refuse unsafe work.
Organizations, workers and communities can also renew their commitment to protecting all workers and preventing future workplace tragedies during this time, the CCOHS outlines. Whether you’re an owner, employer, supervisor, prime contractor or worker, you have distinct responsibilities for keeping yourself and others in the workplace safe.
Creating safer, healthier workplaces requires all of us to work together: employers, workers, supervisors, industry associations, labour groups and WorkSafeBC.
For help with workplace health and safety issues in Ontario, contact the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board at 1-800-387-0750, or visit wsib.ca for resources and support. Workplace concerns can also be reported to the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development by calling 1-877-202-0008. The ministry also accepts reports of unsafe workplaces online, and concerns can be submitted anonymously.
