Sunday is the National Day of Mourning, and ceremonies are being held across the globe, including in Sarnia.
Residents are asked to meet at 2 p.m. at the Clifford Hansen Fire Station on East Street.
It's an opportunity to remember those who have died as a result of work and to give support to those who’ve been injured or suffer with an occupational disease.
There's also a local focus on the suffering experienced by others who have been exposed to environmental toxins.
Sarnia and District Labour Council President Nick Dochstader said these incidents are far too common.
"Unfortunately, workplace accidents and illnesses rarely leave any family untouched," said Dochstader. "It's very likely, especially with the industrialized area that we live in, that you know someone or someone you love has been impacted by a workplace tragedy."
The National Day of Mourning is held on April 28 every year to commemorate third reading in the Ontario Legislation of the first comprehensive Workers Compensation Act in Canada in 1914.
In 1984 the Canadian Labour Congress declared a National Day of Mourning for workers killed and injured on the job.
This year’s Day of Mourning will be recognized in more than 100 countries.
Workplaces are encouraged to mark the day by lowering flags to half mast, if possible.
Dochstader said although certain groups of workers seem more vulnerable than others, any one of us could be the next to suffer an injury or be diagnosed with an occupational disease.
He said in the future, they want to get back to holding the yearly ceremony at the Missing Workers' Memorial in Centennial Park.
"Years ago, when the changes to Centennial Park happened, the previous memorial was basically taken apart," he said. "There was a commitment to bring that back, and that hasn't happened yet. There is an appetite within city council to make that happen, and we're just trying to push it along. An architectural firm has been engaged by the city, and a first draft iteration has been brought to city council. I believe most of, if not all of the councillors showed a keen interest in revitalizing that memorial to bring it back to something that we can be proud of."
Guest speakers will include BASES Manager Steve Butterfield talking about mental health and violence in the workplace.
Sandra Kinart from Victims of Chemical Valley will share a few words, along with Sarnia Mayor Mike Bradley.
Representatives will also be on hand from the Workers' Health and Safety Centre, and the Occupational Health Clinics For Ontario Workers.