On April 28 each year, Canadians observe the National Day of Mourning to honour workers who have lost their lives, sustained injuries, or become ill as a result of their work. This solemn day is marked by ceremonies across the country, offering an opportunity for reflection and advocacy for safer working conditions. It’s a day to acknowledge the sacrifices made by workers and a reminder of the ongoing need to address workplace hazards.

In 2023, more than 1,000 people in Canada left for work and never came home. This devastating statistic underscores the importance of this day of remembrance, highlighting the risks many workers face simply by doing their jobs. Additionally, over 274,000 workers were injured or became sick at work that same year, many of whom have never fully recovered. These figures are a stark reminder of the urgency of improving safety and health protections in the workplace.

Internationally, April 28 also aligns with International Workers Memorial Day, a day recognized globally to pay tribute to workers  killed, injured, or made ill by their jobs. This day of remembrance brings together global unions, workers’ advocates, and families of those affected to demand better protections, ensuring that tragedies at work are not forgotten and that action is taken to prevent future harm.

A growing concern on this day is the issue of heat stress, which has become increasingly relevant as climate change accelerates. As global temperatures rise, heat stress affects more workers, particularly those in outdoor or physically demanding jobs such as agriculture, construction, and transportation. Heat stress occurs when the body’s ability to regulate temperature is overwhelmed, leading to serious health consequences such as dehydration, heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and in severe cases, death.

The theme of “Heat Kills” on this National Day of Mourning is a reminder of the potential dangers workers face, especially as heat waves become more frequent and intense. Workers exposed to extreme temperatures are at heightened risk of heat-related illnesses. These conditions not only endanger lives but also contribute to long-term health complications that affect a worker’s ability to continue in their profession. According to experts, heat stress can impair concentration, reduce productivity, and even lead to accidents or fatalities.

Canada has made strides in workplace safety, but there is still much work to be done. Advocates for worker safety call for stronger legislation around heat protection and better enforcement of workplace regulations. Some provinces, such as Ontario, have taken steps to introduce guidelines for working in extreme heat, but there is still a need for national standards to ensure that all workers are protected, regardless of their industry.

The day also serves as an opportunity to raise awareness about workplace safety and the importance of prevention. By highlighting hazards and risks workers face, holding employers accountable for ensuring safe working conditions, and advocating for stronger safety regulations and enforcement, we can strive toward a future where every workplace is safe and every worker is protected.