April 28 is recognized across Canada as the National Day of Mourning, a day to pause and remember workers who have lost their lives, were injured, or became ill as a result of their work. It is a solemn reminder that the impact of workplace incidents reaches far beyond the job itself, affecting families, friends, co workers and entire communities.
At UFA, this day closely reflects what our Safety Month is all about: staying alert, looking out for one another, and reinforcing the habits that keep everyone safe. While statistics help tell part of the story, today is ultimately about people, and the loved ones who count on them coming home safely.
Safety is embedded in every decision we make at UFA. We do not compromise when it comes to protecting one another, whether at our sites, on the road, or at home. Our commitment is simple and unwavering: everyone goes home safe at the end of the day. That commitment was reinforced earlier this year through a Family Day message from President & CEO Fred Thun, reminding us that safe choices at work protect what matters most at home.
Through ongoing training, clear safety expectations, and a culture built on care and accountability, we work to make safety second nature in everything we do. It's about staying alert during routine tasks, speaking up when something doesn't feel right, and watching out for one another, every shift, every day.
The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) encourages workplaces across the country to observe a moment of silence at 11 a.m. on April 28 to honour those affected by workplace tragedies and to renew our collective commitment to prevention. At 11:00 a.m., we encourage everyone to take a few minutes to watch this CCOHS video, followed by a moment of silence in memory of those who have lost their lives on the job.
On this National Day of Mourning, we stand with Canadians across the country in remembrance and we recommit to preventing future tragedies by staying engaged, working safely, and reinforcing the habits that protect each other. Honouring today means acting every day.
