CAUT Council will mark Canada’s National Day of Mourning in memory of those killed or injured at work with a moment of silence and an address by Hassan Yussuff, secretary-treasurer of the Canadian Labour Congress.

Initiated in 1984 by the CLC, the National Day of Mourning on April 28 is now recognized in countries around the world.

“It is estimated that well over 1,000 people in Canada will die at work this year, and more than one million will be injured,” says James Turk, executive director of CAUT. “Although we think of universities and colleges as safe workplaces, the reality is quite different.”

He noted occupational accidents and diseases are all too common among academics. He pointed out the widespread incidences of repetitive strain disorders such as carpal tunnel syndrome, stress-related diseases, cancers from work-related environmental exposures and infectious diseases.

“The Day of Mourning offers an opportunity to remember our colleagues who die or are injured because of workplace hazards, as well as renew our commitment to ensuring better health and safety practices and enforcement for the benefit of everyone who works or studies at our universities and colleges,” says Turk.

The CLC has chosen “Organizing for Healthier and Safer Workplaces” as this year’s focus for the day and informs that despite greater emphasis on occupational health and safety since 1984, the number of workplace-related injuries and deaths in Canada is on the rise.

“Too often, occupational diseases caused by workplace exposures are not recognized by compensation boards and are left out of reported statistics,” says Turk. “As well, many cancers and occupational diseases are caused by workplace exposures years, even decades earlier, but are not associated with exposures in the workplace and are never reported to compensation boards.”

To commemorate April 28, the Canadian flag will fly at half-mast on federal buildings and ceremonies will take place in communities across the country. For information about local events contact Laura Lozanski.