The American equivalent, Workers’ Memorial Day, was established in 1970. The April 28 date was chosen to mark the Occupational Health and Safety Act which came into force on that day.
In Canada, Workers' Memorial Day was started in Sudbury, Ontario in 1984, and the Canadian Labour Congress officially declared it an annual day of remembrance in 1985 on April 28. It has since grown to be observed in over 80 countries.
In December 1990, this day became a national observance with the passing of the Workers Mourning Day Act, so that on April 28, 1991, it was officially the National Day of Mourning for persons killed or injured in the workplace; making April 28, an official Workers’ Mourning Day.
