Workers injured or killed on the job honoured in Clarington and Ontario

Clarington joined communities and organizations in Durham Region and around the country in observing National Day of Mourning Sunday to remember those who have lost their lives or suffered injury or illness in the workplace.

Clarington’s flags were lowered to half- mast to remember those who have died, been injured, or suffered illness in the workplace.

“On the National Day of Mourning we remember and honour the workers who have been killed or injured on the job and keep their loved ones in our thoughts. We pause to pay tribute to all those who were killed, injured, or made ill because of workplace accidents,” said Mayor Adrian Foster. “On behalf of Clarington Council, I want to express our sympathy and support to all those who live with the trauma of these tragedies.

The declaration of April 28 as the Day of Mourning began in Canada in 1991. Today, the Day of Mourning has spread to more than 100 countries around the world and is also recognized as Workers’ Memorial Day and as International Workers’ Memorial Day.

Association of Workers’ Compensation Boards of Canada statistics show there are nearly a thousand workplace fatalities in Canada every year. In 2022 those numbers included 33 young workers aged 15-24.

Add to these fatalities the 348,747 accepted claims for lost time due to a work-related injury or disease, including 40,203 from workers aged 15-24, and the fact these statistics only include what is reported and accepted by the compensation boards, the total number of workers impacted is likely even greater.

“As we mourn today,” Foster said Sunday, “we also renew our commitment to making our workplaces safer and healthier for everyone. By working together, we can prevent worker injuries and fatalities in the future.”