University community to mark WSIB Day of Mourning Monday

The University of Windsor, along with its union partners — WUFA, CUPE 1393, Unifor 2458 Office and Clerical (full- and part-time), CUPE 1001, CUPE 4580, Unifor 2458 Operating Engineers and Unifor 444 — will join faculty, staff and organizations across Canada in recognizing the WSIB National Day of Mourning on Monday, April 28.

The day honours those who have lost their lives, been injured or suffered illness as a result of work-related incidents.

Observed annually, the Day of Mourning serves both as a solemn reminder of the importance of workplace safety and as a call to action to prevent future tragedies. The University of Windsor is committed to promoting a safe, healthy and respectful environment for all members of its campus community.

Flags across campus will be lowered to half-mast on Monday. The University encourages all students, staff and faculty to pause for a moment of silence at 11 a.m. in recognition of those affected by workplace injuries and occupational disease.

“The Day of Mourning is an opportunity for all of us to reflect on the lives lost and forever changed by workplace hazards,” said Lisa Kiritsis, health and safety manager at UWindsor. “It’s also a powerful reminder that every injury or illness prevented is a life impacted for the better. We each play a role in fostering a culture where safety is second nature.”

The Day of Mourning originated in Canada in 1984 and has since become an international observance. It is recognized by the Canadian Labour Congress and officially enshrined in the Workers Mourning Day Act.

The University’s Employee Safety and Wellness office encourages the campus community to use this occasion to learn more about injury prevention and the resources available to support workplace wellness.

More information is available on the Employee Safety and Wellness website, the WSIB Day of Mourning website, or by contacting safety@uwindsor.ca.

Let us stand together on April 28 to remember, to support and to recommit to the safety of every worker.