Carnations were tossed into the Detroit River on Tuesday as Windsor observed the National Day of Mourning, remembering those killed or injured at work.
Every Injury Is Preventable
Speaking at the event at Coventry Gardens, Antonella Ciampa of the Windsor and District Labour Council said, "Every workplace injury or death is preventable, whether the harm is physical or psychological. Every worker in Canada has the right to safe work."
The annual ceremony was held at the Monument of the Injured Worker and served as a call to action for safer workplaces.
Moment of Silence for Fallen Workers
More than 100 participants observed a moment of silence to remember those lost and hurt on the job, and to reflect on eliminating workplace hazards. Ciampa noted the goal is to remove dangers "in hopes of eliminating these preventable tragedies."
Focus on Mental Health
This year's ceremony highlighted workers facing burnout, chronic stress, and mental health crises caused by work. "It's understood that employers are required to control physical, ergonomic, and chemical hazards, but psychosocial hazards must also be treated with the same seriousness," Ciampa said. "Too often, psychological harm at work is ignored, minimized, or dismissed as just part of the job."
Attendees and Advocates
Among the attendees were relatives of workers killed on the job, local labour leaders, MPP Lisa Gretzky (NDP — Windsor West), and advocates for safer workplaces in education, corrections, health care, and paramedicine.
Meg Simon, district health and safety representative with the Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation, shared her experience with workplace violence in classrooms where students flip tables and throw chairs. "We must not be compliant," Simon said. "We must not allow violence in schools to become commonplace. Speak up, educate, listen, and never stop advocating for your rights as a worker."
