National Injury Prevention Day
In 2023, unintentional injuries claimed the lives of 20,597 people in Canada (Statistics Canada, 2025). This leading cause of death affects people of all ages, underscoring the urgent need for increased awareness and prevention efforts. The federal government has recognized National Injury Prevention Day as a calendar day for health promotion in the month of July every year (Government of Canada, 2025). The provincial government also acknowledges the same and in fact, encourages awareness in conjunction with Parachute Canada (Public Health Ontario, 2024).
As Ontarians and Canadians, one should observe National Injury Prevention Day and are free to attend to spectacles in light of the same. One will notice on July 7, 2025, many landmarks “light up green” throughout Ontario, including the CN Tower in Toronto, 3D Ottawa Sign in Ottawa, Clock Tower in Mississauga, City Hall in Vaughan, Clock Tower in Brampton, the Falls in Niagara and many more (Parachute Canada, 2025).
Injury prevention starts and continues from every aspect of your everyday life. At home, by securing chemicals/medications and maintaining adequate lighting and handrails, in accordance with the Occupiers’ Liability Act, RSO 1990, c O.2. Or on the road, reducing speed limits, maintaining clear vision and discontinuing distracted/influenced driving, in accordance with Highway Traffic Act, RSO 1990, c H.8. Even at the workplace, by using personal protective equipment, attending injury prevention workshops and mindfulness with hazardous tasks, in accordance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act, RSO 1990, c O.1 and Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997, SO 1997, c 16, Sch A.
From a legal standpoint, individuals who suffer injuries, whether from motor vehicle collisions to slip and falls, rightfully may seek legal guidance and may be entitled to pursue claims against guilty parties and/or their insurers. Understanding one’s legal rights is essential to avoid forfeiting potential compensation or entitlements. However, it is important to note that contributory negligence may limit or even bar recovery. This legal principle states that if the injured person is found to be partially or wholly responsible for their own injuries, the amount of compensation may be reduced proportionally or denied altogether. Albeit, legal system provides entitlements for compensation after an injury, however, it is always best practice to prevent harm in the first place.
Raising awareness with respect to injury prevention concludes with proactive measures, informed choices and a comprehensive understanding of your legal rights. Being educated about protecting oneself and the people around is critical. We must empower people and the government to support injury prevention policies and foster open dialogue to target this deathly threat of unintentional injuries, which we all face.
Stay safe and continue to advocate for the prevention of injury.