Published on: April 28, 2025

Workplace injuries and illnesses claimed the lives of 146 workers in B.C. last year.

On April 28, workers, employers, families, and others gather at Day of Mourning ceremonies around B.C. to pay tribute to workers injured or killed on the job.

The Vancouver ceremony is at Jack Poole Plaza starting at 10:00 a.m. and is jointly hosted by the B.C. Federation of Labour, the Business Council of British Columbia, and WorkSafeBC.

In 2024, workplace injuries and illnesses tragically claimed the lives of 146 B.C. workers. Of these workers, 78 died from occupational diseases, nearly half due to asbestos exposure, often decades ago. Thirty-eight 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, 30 workers died as a result of motor vehicle incidents.

Of the work-related deaths in 2024, six were young workers, highlighting the importance of protecting the most vulnerable members of the workforce. The Day of Mourning B.C. Schools Project is now in its tenth year and continues to play a vital role in educating students about their health and safety rights in the workplace.

The Canadian Labour Congress held the first National Day of Mourning ceremony in 1985, making Canada the first country to formally commemorate workers killed in the workplace. In 1991, the federal government passed the Workers Day Mourning Act, and the following year, British Columbia proclaimed April 28 as the Day of Mourning. Today, it is now observed in over 100 countries worldwide and serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of workplace safety and the collective responsibility to prevent further tragedies.

Those who wish to post a virtual dedication or read what others have shared can do so on the Day of Mourning wall at dayofmourning.bc.ca.

Quotes

Premier David Eby:
"On National Day of Mourning, we remember the workers who said goodbye to their loved ones on their way to work not knowing it would be for the last time. We stand with their families, friends and colleagues in their grief, and we renew our commitment to preventing workplace tragedies. One workplace death or injury is one too many. Everyone has a right to come home to their family at the end of the day, and we will continue to work toward that goal in partnership with workers, the labour movement and employers."

Hon. Jennifer Whiteside, Minister of Labour:
"Today, we pause to honour the workers who never came home. Every workplace fatality is a tragedy that ripples through families, coworkers and entire communities. We stand with those who carry the grief of that loss, and we reaffirm our commitment to stronger protections and a culture that truly values the health and safety of every worker."

Sussanne Skidmore, President, BC Federation of Labour:
"Today is about grief and remembrance. It’s about solidarity with workers we’ve lost to workplace injury and illness, with those whose lives have been altered, and with their family, coworkers and friends. And it’s about action — to make every workplace a safe one and ensure everyone comes home as safe and healthy at the end of their workday as when they left. Workers’ lives must never be part of the cost of doing business."

Laura Jones, President and CEO, Business Council of British Columbia:
"Today, we remember and honour all those who have lost their lives or been impacted as a result of workplace incidents. We recognize the profound impact these tragedies have on families, communities, and the broader workforce. As we reflect, let this day renew our shared commitment to make safety a fundamental value in every workplace across B.C. We all have a responsibility to ensure that every worker returns home safely at the end of each day."

Anne Naser, President and CEO, WorkSafeBC:
"Behind every statistic we reflect on during the Day of Mourning is a person — and represents the many lives forever changed by a workplace incident. It’s a powerful reminder that health and safety must be more than policies or checklists — they must be part of our culture, embedded in every task, every shift, every decision. Because behind every safe return home is a workplace culture that puts people first."

About WorkSafeBC

WorkSafeBC engages workers and employers to prevent injury, disease, and disability in B.C. When work-related injuries or diseases occur, WorkSafeBC provides compensation and support to people in their recovery, rehabilitation, and safe return to work. We serve 2.7 million workers and 285,000 employers across B.C.

For more information, contact:

Media Relations, WorkSafeBC
Email: media@worksafebc.com
Tel: 604.276.5157