What is the Day of Mourning?
The Day of Mourning (a.k.a. Worker’s Memorial Day) is a day established by the Canadian Labour Congress to help honour those who have been killed, injured, or made ill in the workplace. Each year, on April 28, we remember those individuals who have died/suffered from performing their jobs.
Unfortunately, many jobs in our society are dangerous, but essential. These jobs pose a risk to those who choose them as professions. Construction workers, police officers, firefighters, healthcare workers, and many others, have risky jobs. Some of these jobs involve high physical demand, frequent exposure to chemicals/disease, uncertain and high-risk environments, etc.. The individuals performing these jobs put themselves in harm’s way daily for the betterment and prosperity of our society. Those who have lost their lives doing so, or have had their lives altered permanently, deserve to be recognized and honoured for their contribution.
How does this relate to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB)?
The WSIB is a government-run organization who focus on workplace health and safety. They deal with everything related to ensuring workplaces, and their workers, are safe and face minimal hazards. As well as preventative, the WSIB ensures that when someone is injured in the workplace, they have the opportunity to receive the care they need. Injuries that happen in the workplace can potentially impact the livelihood of the workers who experience them, as well as their families. For this reason, making sure they have the needed support throughout their recovery is important for helping them return to work.
The Day of Mourning encompasses all workplace settings, not just those covered by the WSIB. But, because of their role in workplace safety, the WSIB as an organization are important advocates for what this day represents.
How do we honour these individuals?
On April 28, flags are flown at half-mast, and there is a moment of silence held at 11 a.m.. The colours black and yellow are representative of this day, so we encourage people to wear these colours and/or don a black and yellow ribbon.
We can also honour these people through remaining grateful for the work they do for us in our society. It is important to recognize the privilege in having a low-risk job. Additionally, to acknowledge and appreciate the risk people assume simply by going to work in a higher-risk environment.
To learn more about the Day of Mourning, please visit https://wsibdayofmourning.ca/. Here you can learn more about this day and read stories about workers and their families.
Seeking WSIB Care
If you’ve been injured in the workplace, you are entitled to care that can help you return to work. At First Line Physiotherapy, we provide care for clients who are seeking WSIB physiotherapy. We recognize the important role physiotherapy plays in helping people return to work pain-free and with improved function. If you have had an injury at work and are seeking physical therapy for a recent claim, please contact us. A team member can let you know if we will be able to meet your needs.
Thank you to everyone who puts themselves at risk simply by going to work daily, we recognize and appreciate your efforts. Put safety first and stay healthy!
Stay safe and take care,
Daniel Sedran
Registered Physiotherapist
Owner of First Line Physiotherapy