The Brock University community will join Canadians in observing the National Day of Mourning, held annually on April 28, by remembering workers who have died or suffered life-changing injuries or illnesses on the job.The Brock community will join Canadians in observing National Day of Mourning, held annually April 28, in memory of those who have lost their lives or suffered life-changing injury or illness due to workplace incidents.
“The pandemic highlighted and strengthened the critical importance of workplace health and safety,” says Leigh Harold, Brock’s Director, Health, Safety and Wellness (HSW). “As a campus community, we pulled together and made it our priority to mitigate the hazard risks.”
On Friday, April 28, the University will lower its flags to half-mast and the Schmon Tower will be lit in yellow. Faculty, staff and students are encouraged to observe a moment of silence at 11 a.m. and share messages of support on social media with the hashtags #DayOfMourning and #BrockU.
“On the National Day of Mourning in Canada, I encourage faculty and staff to pause, remember and honour those who have been injured, have been ill and have died in workplaces across the country and to continue to make workplace health and safety a priority,” says Harold.
The most recent data available from the Association of Workers’ Compensation Boards of Canada (AWCBC) reports that in 2021 there were 1,081 workplace fatalities recorded in Canada plus 277,217 accepted claims for lost time due to a work-related injury or disease.
Brock’s HSW department strives to support faculty and staff by developing and implementing programs, policies, procedures and training initiatives that promote safety and wellness in the workplace.
Faculty and staff interested in learning more about health, safety and wellness resources at Brock can visit the Health, Safety and Wellness Toolbox on SharePoint.
To report an incident, injury, near miss or health and safety hazard at Brock, fill out an injury/incident report or tell a person of authority, such as an area supervisor or Brock employee. Completed reports and questions can be directed to besafe@brocku.ca or extension 7233.
For more information on the National Day of Mourning, visit the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board or the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety.
