Recognized annually in Canada, April 28 marks the National Day of Mourning – a time to remember those who have lost their lives, or suffered injury or illness on the job as a result of a workplace-related hazard or incident. It is also a time to remember that, 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 forever changed.
The National Day of Mourning is also a day to collectively renew our commitment to improve health and safety in the workplace and prevent further injuries, illnesses and deaths. All workers in Newfoundland and Labrador have a fundamental right to a safe, incident-free work environment. To achieve this the Provincial Government’s Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Division works with stakeholders to establish, promote and enforce workplace safety.
In 2020, four workers lost their lives in our province in workplace incidents, and 22 succumbed to occupational disease. Recognizing that even one workplace death or injury is one too many, the Provincial Government continues to focus on workplace safety. Last year, more than 15,300 unsafe work practices were identified and corrected.
This year, online gatherings are happening across the country to align with public health directives that are keeping essential workers safe through the COVID-19 crisis. Residents of the province are encouraged to show solidarity by posting a photo to social media with the hashtag #DayofMourning.
Quotes
“On behalf of the province, I extend deepest condolences to those who have lost their lives or been adversely affected because of a workplace incident. Our thoughts are with their families, friends and colleagues who are left behind to mourn their loss, and we will honour them by continuing to make health and safety a priority in everything we do.”
Honourable Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
“Workplace safety is everyone’s responsibility, and we continue to work with our partners to help ensure that employees return home safely at the end of each work day. We have come a long way in improving workplace health and safety, and we recognize that we must always maintain that focus. We need to continue to foster a strong safety culture that will help reduce workplace injuries and deaths.”
Honourable Sarah Stoodley
Minister of Digital Government and Service NL
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Learn more
Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS)
New First Aid Kit Requirements Enhance Occupational Health and Safety
New Regulations Address Violence Prevention in the Workplace
Increase in Burial Coverage for Work-Related Fatalities Supports Families
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Media contacts
Meghan McCabe
Office of the Premier
709-729-3960
MeghanMcCabe@gov.nl.ca
Krista Dalton
Digital Government and Service NL
729-4748, 685-6492
kristadalton@gov.nl.ca