138 BC workers lost their lives last year due to workplace injury or illness

WorkSafeBC has revealed that 138 workers lost their lives in 2025 due to workplace injury or illness. 

This announcement comes ahead of Canada’s National Day of Mourning, which commemorates the fallen workers throughout the country on Tuesday, April 28th. 

According to WorkSafeBC, 79 of the 138 deaths died from occupational diseases. Thirty-six of those died from contact with asbestos, with exposures often occurring decades ago. 

Further, 41 workers died due to traumatic workplace injuries, including falls from heights, being struck by objects and being caught in equipment or machinery. 

Lastly, 18 workers died in motor vehicle incidents.

“Behind every number is a person, a family, coworkers and a community that are forever changed,” said Todd McDonald, head of prevention services with WorkSafeBC.

“The Day of Mourning is a time to remember the workers we’ve lost and reflect on what we can all do to make workplaces safer.”

Workers and employers are being reminded that safe and healthy workplaces are a shared responsibility, and include both physical and psychological safety. 

WorkSafeBC stated that it is the employers’ responsibility to provide a safe and healthy workplace which includes training, supervision and the equipment needed to do work safely. Employers are also responsible for taking steps to prevent psychological injuries. 

Workers always have the right to refuse unsafe work, to know about hazards and to participate in workplace health and safety.

To honour the workers who have died on the job in BC, a ceremony will be held on the steps of the legislature in Victoria at 12:15 p.m. on Tuesday, April 28th.