June 1st is Injured Workers' Day

On June 1, we join with labour and social justice organizations from across Ontario to recognize Injured Workers’ Day and stand up for those who have been injured or made ill because of their work.

Over three thousand injured workers gathered at Queen’s Park on June 1, 1983, forcing a government committee working on major changes to Ontario’s workers’ compensation system to conduct a public hearing on the steps of the legislature. This historic day led to subsequent annual rallies— on the day known as Injured Workers’ Day – to continually advocate for workers' protection.

Health-care workers continue to have some of the highest rates of injury and illness statistics in the workforce. At the same time, our workers’ compensation system is in crisis as cuts to benefits and changes to policies make it more difficult for injured workers to get fair compensation and adequate protection.

• Ontario Nurses’ Association says WSIB funds must go to injured workers, not employers’ pockets (February 2022)

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, health-care workers have faced immeasurable risks to their health and well-being. In addition to the risk of infection, serious illness and death, the pandemic has also subjected our dedicated health-care workforce to added stress, higher job demands, burnout, lower job control and moral injury – all factors that contribute to mental health concerns.

The Ontario Nurses' Association has been a leader in occupational health and safety issues that affect not only our members, but everyone in society. We will continue to advocate for members’ health and safety at the government, employer and Bargaining Unit levels.

Join in the 40th anniversary Injured' Workers Day rally at Queen's Park

Injured Workers' Day Rally & March - Thursday, June 1, 2023 at 11 a.m. ET at Queen's Park in Toronto

Visit https://injuredworkersorganize.ca/ to learn more and get involved.

Learn More

• Ontario Nurses' Association - Health and Safety
  • Occupational Health and Safety: A Guide for ONA Members
  • Workplace Violence and Harassment: A Guide for ONA Members
  • Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC) Toolkit
• Ontario Nurses' Association - COVID-19 Updates
• Ontario Nurses' Association - Workplace Safety & Insurance Board Help
• Sign up for ONA's Health and Safety eBulletin, "On the Safe Side"
• Injured Workers Online
• CFNU "In memoriam: Canada’s health workers who have died of COVID-19"
• Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety
• Workers Health and Safety Centre
• Canadian Labour Congress - Workplace Health and Safety
• Ontario Ministry of Labour