WorkSafeBC reports 138 work related deaths in BC in 2025 ahead of Day of Mourning events

A total of 138 work-related deaths were recorded in Canada’s British Columbia in 2025, according to WorkSafeBC.

The agency said 79 of those deaths were caused by occupational diseases, including 36 linked to asbestos exposure.

Another 41 fatalities were due to traumatic workplace injuries such as falls or being struck by equipment, while 18 deaths were related to motor vehicle incidents.

The figures were released ahead of the annual Day of Mourning, which honours workers who have died or been injured on the job.

WorkSafeBC said the number of deaths has declined in recent years, falling from 181 in 2022 to 146 in 2024.

Men accounted for the majority of fatalities in 2025, with 134 deaths compared to four among women.

Todd McDonald, head of prevention services at WorkSafeBC, said in a statement: “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.”