Workers Memorial Day and National Day for Mourning Is April 28

April 21, 2014 – The IAFF is encouraging affiliates to observe Workers Memorial Day and the National Day of Mourning on April 28 to commemorate workers who have been injured, killed or suffer illness as a result of occupational accidents and hazards.

April 28 marks the 44th anniversary of the U.S. congressional passage of the Occupational Safety and Health Act. Many other workplace safety protections have been enacted since, but still workers are unnecessarily hurt or becoming sick on the job because some hazards are still unregulated and some employers fail to adhere to existing laws.

The AFL-CIO has themed this Workers Memorial Day “Safe Jobs Save Lives. Make your Voice Heard.” The organization is encouraging workers to organize actions, activities or observances to promote the enforcement of workplace safety policies.

April 28 is also the Canadian Day of Mourning. In 1984, the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) agreed to set aside this day to recognize the ongoing need to take a proactive approach in preventing workplace deaths, illnesses and injuries.

This year, the Canadian Flag on Parliament Hill will fly at half mast. Workers will light candles, wear ribbons and black armbands and observe moments of silence. Additionally, the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) is asking businesses to look at their workplace safety polices to ensure that the appropriate measures are taken to prevent illness, injury and death.