On April 28 and every day, workplace safety is non-negotiable

April 28 is the the World Day for Safety and Health at Work, known commonly as the Day of Mourning for Workers who have died, have been injured or made ill on the job. It is a solemn occasion in any year, but particularly for many health care workers who face incidents of violence in hospitals and health care workplaces every day.

Violence and threats against nurses and health care workers should never be part of the job.

Ensuring a healthy psychological working environment is the theme of this year’s World Day for Safety and Health at Work and United Nurses of Alberta continues to pressure government and health care employers to take action to remove the psychological fear of weapons in our hospitals by taking concrete action.

The safety of nurses and the patients they care for is one of UNA's top priorities. That’s why the union continues to push the Alberta government and health care employers to immediately implement actions to improve safety in Emergency Departments and health care workplaces across the province.

The psychological safety of nurses is also a top priority.

The reinstatement of presumptive coverage for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other traumatic mental health injuries was achieved in 2025. This important Workers’ Compensation Board coverage applies to Registered Nurses, Registered Psychiatric Nurses, Graduate nurses, and undergraduate nurses and is a result of years of tireless advocacy by the union and individual front-line nurses across Alberta.

On April 28, ceremonies marking the World Day for Safety and Health at Work will be held in communities across Alberta. UNA members are encouraged to attend a ceremony, or mark the day with a moment of silence or candle lighting with their co-workers.

COMMEMORATIVE CEREMONIES ON APRIL 28

Calgary

City of Calgary Workers Memorial
Edward Place Park South East Corner of City Hall
9th Avenue. & Macleod Trail SE
April 28, 2026 at 12:00 p.m.
Contact: admin@thecdlc.ca

Edmonton

Grant Notley Park
116 Street and 100 Avenue
April 28, 2026 (Annually) at 11:00 a.m.
Contact: office@edlc.ca

Fort McMurray 

Howard Pew Park-Waterways
9400 McCormick Drive
April 28, 2026 at 10:45 a.m.
Contact: omer.Hussein@hsaa.ca

Lethbridge 

CUPE 70 Monument in the Mountain View Cemetery
1210 Scenic Drive South
April 28, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.
Contact: ldlcsecretary@gmail.com

Red Deer

Bowers Ponds
4707 Fountain Drive #6.
April 28, 2026 at 11:00 a.m.
Contact: rddlc1@gmail.com