Beyond the StatisticsThe most recent statistics from the Association of Workers' Compensation Boards of Canada (AWCBC) tell us that in 2019, 925 workplace fatalities were recorded in Canada. Of these, 882 were male workers, and 43 were female workers. Among these deaths were 29 young workers aged 15 to 24. Add to these fatalities the 271,806 accepted claims (an increase from 264,438 the previous year) for lost time due to a work-related injury or disease, including 33,615 from workers aged 15 to 24, and the fact that these statistics only include what is reported and accepted by the compensation boards and there is no doubt that the total number of workers impacted is even greater. In Ontario alone as of April 16, COVID-19-related claims statistics from the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board showed that 21,133 claims have been allowed (including 46 deaths up to March 31, 2021), 2,007 claims not allowed, 259 claims pending and 6,700 exposure incident reports received. And it's not just these numbers on which we need to reflect. With each worker's tragedy there are loved ones, family members, friends and co-workers who are directly affected, left behind, and deeply impacted -- their lives also forever changed. HistoryIn 1991, eight years after the Day of Remembrance was launched by the Canadian Labour Congress, the Parliament of Canada passed the Workers Mourning Day Act making April 28 an official Day of Mourning. Today the Day of Mourning has spread to more than 100 countries around the world and is recognized as Workers' Memorial Day, and as International Workers' Memorial Day by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC). For further statistical information visit: AWCBC National Work Injuries Statistics Program.
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