Day of Mourning and North American Occupational Safety and Health (NAOSH) Week

On April 28 of each year, we honour workers who have lost their lives as a result of workplace injury or disease with the Day of Mourning. The Canadian flag on Parliament Hill will fly at half-mast. Workers will light candles, don ribbons or black armbands and observe a moment of silence at 11:00 a.m. Businesses are asked to participate by striving to prevent workplace deaths, illnesses and injuries, and publicly renewing their commitment to improve health and safety in the workplace.

This day was officially recognized by the federal government in 1991, eight years after the day of remembrance was launched by the Canadian Labour Congress. The Day of Mourning has since spread to about 80 countries around the world and has been adopted by the AFL-CIO and the International Confederation of Free Trade.

Although April 28 has been singled out, making workplaces safer should be a daily effort.

NAOSH week allows employers, employees, health and safety associations and the public a time to focus on the importance of preventing injury and illness in the workplace, at home and in the community. Employers and health and safety associations and organizations plan events and activities during the week of May 1 to May 7, 2011, to promote workplace health and safety during North American Occupational Health and Safety Week. Find out what is happening in your jurisdiction by visiting the NAOSH website.