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RICHMOND, B.C. — Today (April 28) workers, employers, families and communities across the country are observing the National Day of Mourning, which is a time to remember those who have been killed, injured or suffered illness due to work-related incidents.

WorkSafeBC is reporting its latest numbers as a reminder there’s still work to be done to improve worker safety.��

In 2025, workplace injuries and illnesses claimed the lives of 138 B.C. workers. Of these, 79 died from occupational diseases (36 due to asbestos), with exposures often occurring decades ago. Forty-one workers lost their lives due to traumatic workplace injuries, which included falls from heights, being struck by objects and being caught in equipment or machinery.

Additionally, 18 workers died in motor vehicle incidents.

Breaking the numbers down further, two deaths were young workers; 134 were male; and four were female.

Nineteen of the workers who died were in general construction, one in heavy construction and eight in road construction or maintenance.
“Behind every number is a person, a family, co-workers and a community that are forever changed. 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,” says Todd McDonald, head of prevention services at WorkSafeBC, in a statement.

WorkSafeBC is remindingworkers and employers that safe andhealthy workplaces are ashared responsibility —including both physical andpsychological safety.

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

The 2026 provincial Dayof Mourning ceremony,hosted by BCFederation of Labour, will take place on the steps of the Legislature in Victoria at 12:15 p.m.

A list of local ceremonies in B.C. can be found on .

Visit for resources on how to keep workplaces healthy and safe.