On this National Day of Mourning, Prevention Link remembers and pays respect to the many Ontario and Canadian workers who have been killed, injured, or suffered illness because of work-related incidents. We also honour the many families and friends who have been deeply affected by these tragedies.
In 2023, according to the most recent statistics from the Association of Workers’ Compensation Boards of Canada (AWCBC), 1,057 workplace fatalities were recorded in Canada, with 297 in Ontario. The same year, 240,131 claims were registered with Ontario’s Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) with 179,024 claims allowed (including both lost time and no lost time injuries). Sadly, a vast body of research suggests that half of work-related injuries and illnesses are not accurately reported and the numbers are much higher. “Somewhere between 40 and 60 per cent of potentially compensable conditions are typically not reported to provincial compensation authorities in Canada,” said Cameron Mustard, former Institute for Worker & Health (IWH) president and senior scientist.
These numbers not only represent individual tragedies, but also families, friends, colleagues, and communities whose lives are deeply affected and possibly changed forever. One workplace death or injury is one too many. Occupational health and safety is everyone’s responsibility, and we must collaboratively strengthen our resolve to ensure every Ontario worker gets home safe.
Prevention Link stands firmly behind our vision of a province where occupational illnesses and injuries are eliminated. We need healthy, safe, and accommodating workplaces for all workers in every community across Ontario. Prevention Link remains committed to working with employers, workers, and our health and safety partners to make this vision a reality.
From the first day they start a job, it is vital for every Ontario worker to know their health and safety rights in the workplace. Our Lighthouse Initiative aims to do just that by helping newcomers to Ontario’s workforce, young workers, and long-time workers in any sector learn more about their rights and the laws that guide them as a worker in our province. The Lighthouse Initiative offers critical information in 21 languages, via downloadable information guides – with tips, quizzes, and links – to help guide workers through their rights and obligations in Ontario workplaces.
Occupational injuries and illnesses are a preventable workplace epidemic that continues to cost tens of thousands of lives and impact many working families in Ontario. We must continue to work collaboratively to ensure every working Ontarian gets home safe.
Prevention Link staff will be commemorating National Day of Mourning events across communities and in our classrooms. We encourage you to also join a Day of Mourning event in your community or observe a moment of silence at 11:00 a.m. on April 28. A comprehensive list of Ontario-wide events is available on the Workers Health & Safety Centre website. By sharing the messages from the Day of Mourning, you are reminding more people to put health and safety at the forefront of their work and helping to prevent further work-related injuries and loss of life.
Honour the fallen. Make the injured whole. Make work safe.
We renew our pledge to building safer workplaces for all workers.
Day of Mourning resources:
