The Brock community will join Canadians in observing the National Day of Mourning, held annually on April 28, in memory of those who have lost their lives or suffered life-changing injuries or illnesses due to workplace incidents.

The University will lower its flags to half-mast on Sunday, April 28 and Monday, April 29. Faculty, staff and students are encouraged to observe a moment of silence at 11 a.m. on both days.

“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 James Iseghayan, Brock’s Director of Health, Safety and Wellness (HSW).

The most recent data available from the Association of Workers’ Compensation Boards of Canada reports that there were 993 workplace fatalities recorded in Canada in 2022 along with 348,747 accepted claims for lost time due to a work-related injury or disease, an increase of 71,530 from the previous year.

“The active involvement of all workplace parties is essential to preventing incidents and injuries, which is paramount for maintaining a safe and healthy workplace,” says Iseghayan.

Brock’s HSW team 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 site 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. Questions can be directed to besafe@brocku.ca or x7233.

For more information on the National Day of Mourning, visit the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety and the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board.