Windsor-Tecumseh MPP Percy Hatfield managed to achieve two things when his private member's bill passed.
First, the bill makes it mandatory for all government offices and any public service that receives provincial funding to lower its flag to half-mast on the National Day of Mourning.
Second, it's the first time in more than a decade an MPP from the Windsor-Essex area has had a private member's bill pass into legislation.
Hatfield says by lowering flags to half-mast on April 28 each year; the government is showing respect for those who have been injured, or lost loved ones in workplace accidents.
"This bill will raise awareness and make more people aware of the need for health and safety, more people aware of the need for more training."
He hopes the action will start the conversation how Ontario can improve workplace safety.
The Association of Workers' Compensation Boards of Canada says there was 977 workplace-related fatalities in 2012, the last year for which data is available.
The Canadian Labour Congress established the National Day of Mourning more than 30 years ago.