Each year on April 28th, we observe the International Day of Mourning (also known as Workers’ Memorial Day) to honor workers who have lost their lives, been injured, or fallen ill due to workplace incidents. This solemn occasion serves as a powerful reminder of why our work in occupational health and safety remains vitally important.
A Day of Remembrance and Commitment
The statistics remain sobering. According to the International Labour Organization, approximately 2.3 million workers die annually from work-related accidents and diseases worldwide. Behind each number is a person whose life mattered—a parent, child, friend, or colleague whose absence is deeply felt.
Today, we pause to remember these individuals and reaffirm our commitment to creating safer workplaces through evidence-based research, education, and advocacy.
Moving Forward Together
Prevention is possible. Through our collective efforts—researchers, educators, policymakers, employers, and workers—we can reduce workplace fatalities, injuries, and illnesses.
As we commemorate this day, we invite you to:
- Attend our virtual memorial service today at 12:00 PM
- Join our upcoming webinar series on emerging workplace risks
- Support scholarship funds for students pursuing careers in occupational safety
- Share your own workplace safety stories using #DayOfMourning
Let us honor those we’ve lost by working tirelessly to ensure every worker returns home safely at the end of each day.
For more information about our Occupational Health and Safety program and upcoming events, please visit our department website.