April 28, 2026
WorkplaceNL marks Day of Mourning and honours families affected by workplace tragedy
St. John’s, NL – April 28 is the National Day of Mourning, a day to remember workers who lost their lives, were injured or fell ill because of their work. WorkplaceNL joins families, co-workers and safety partners throughout the province in recognizing lives changed forever by workplace tragedy – and in renewing our shared commitment to prevent those tragedies.
In Newfoundland and Labrador, WorkplaceNL accepted 17 claims for work-related fatalities in 2025: 14 from occupational disease and three due to fatal incidents. In the past five years, 106 workers have tragically lost their lives due to occupational disease or fatal incidents in Newfoundland and Labrador.
On April 28, WorkplaceNL encourages all workplaces to observe a moment of silence to remember those forever impacted by workplace tragedy, and to use the day as a reminder of the importance of prevention. The day emphasizes the value of a safety conversation, reporting a hazard or strengthening workplace safety protections to prevent a serious injury or illness. Each step matters, and together, those steps save lives.
“The National Day of Mourning reminds us that every workplace fatality, injury or illness is preventable, and that every worker deserves to come home safe at the end of the day,” said the Honourable Mike Goosney, Minister of Government Services, Minister of Labour, and Minister Responsible for WorkplaceNL. “Drawing on my previous experience with workplace safety, I am committed to using that perspective and engaging with workers, employers and our safety partners to help shape improvements in prevention, strengthen safety culture and protect workers and their families across Newfoundland and Labrador.”
“Today, we pause to remember those workers impacted by workplace tragedy, illness and injury, and to recognize the families whose lives were changed forever,” said Elizabeth Lane, CEO, WorkplaceNL. “For parents, partners, children and loved ones, the Day of Mourning is not a single date on the calendar; it is every day. We honour them by listening, by supporting them during a difficult time and by doing the work to prevent tragedy in the workplace.”
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About WorkplaceNL
Serving approximately 230,000 workers and 17,000 employers, WorkplaceNL administers an employer-funded, no-fault workers’ compensation system that promotes safe and healthy workplaces, provides return-to-work programs and offers compensation to injured workers and their dependents.
Media contact
Carla Riggs, Director, Communications and Engagement for WorkplaceNL
709.778.1590 or [email protected]
Tina Newhook, Director of Communication for Government Services and the Office of the Chief Information Officer
Office: 709.729.4860 or cell: 709.728.2837 or [email protected]