Friday, April 28th the National Day of Mourning is observed in Canada. This annual day is dedicated to remembering those who have lost their lives, suffered injury or illness on the job, or experienced a work-related tragedy.
According to the Association of Workers’ Compensation Boards of Canada (AWCBC), in 2021, there were 1,081 workplace fatalities recorded in Canada. Add to these fatalities the 277,217 accepted claims (an increase of 23,820 from the previous year) for lost time due to a work-related injury or disease. With each worker tragedy there are loved ones, family members, friends and co-workers who are directly affected, left behind, and deeply impacted – their lives also forever changed.
The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health & Safety (CCOHS) asks all of us on this “Day of Mourning”, to collectively renew our commitment to improve health and safety in the workplace and prevent further injuries, illnesses and deaths. The team at Corridor Interactive takes this statement from CCOHS as the cornerstone of our work to create products that contribute to this goal.
To frame the importance of this day, we take to heart these words from Glen French, our Subject Matter Expert on Workplace Violence, Harassment & Bullying.
Corridor’s Subject Matter Expert on Workplace Violence, Harassment & Bullying
President, The Canadian Initiative on Workplace Violence
“Each of us has the right to go to work, without the fear of injury or death. Workplace safety is not a privilege – but a right. A right that is secured by our vigilance and the employer’s responsibility to provide a safe work environment. On this “Day of Mourning”, each of us, regardless of what we do, should pause and pay tribute to those who have fought hard for our right to a safe workplace. There is much more to be done, but for the moment let’s recognize those we have lost.”
