Day of mourning to honour B.C. worker deaths, including six in Nanaimo

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Flags were flown at half-mast at Nanaimo City Hall from Tuesday until Monday, May 4, with more information on the mine explosion found here from the Nanaimo Museum’s award-winning exhibit.

workers killed

Day of mourning to honour B.C. worker deaths, including six in Nanaimo

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A ceremony on the steps of the Legislature in Victoria occurred just after noon on Tuesday, with other events taking place in communities across the province, including at Nanaimo’s Pioneer Waterfront Plaza on Front St.

Of the 138 workers who died across B.C. last year, 79 of those deaths were linked to occupational diseases, including 36 from asbestos exposure.

The deaths for 2025 also include 41 from traumatic workplace injuries such as falls, being struck by objects or being caught in equipment and machinery.

There were also 18 deaths stemming from work-related motor-vehicle accidents.

WorkSafeBC says last year’s death rate is the lowest in recent years, with the number of fatalities reaching 181 in 2022, then sliding since then to 146 recorded in 2024.

Men made up most of work-related fatalities last year with 134 of the deaths, while four women died.

“Behind every number is a person, a family, co-workers, and a community that are forever changed,” said Todd McDonald, WorkSafeBC’s head of prevention services. “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.”

— With files from The Canadian Press.

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