Last year, 138 workers lost their lives in B.C., and a significant number of those deaths were a result of exposure to an antiquated construction material.
WorkSafeBC recently released some statistics ahead of the day of mourning for fallen B.C. workers, which takes place tomorrow.
Out of the 138 workers who passed, 79 died from occupational disease (36 due to asbestos, an antiquated construction material that was once used prominently in B.C.). WorkSafeBC says that some of those asbestos exposures occurred “decades ago.”
Asbestos was used heavily in construction in B.C. between the 1950s and 1990s due to its low cost.
“Diseases caused by exposure to asbestos remain the top occupational killers in B.C. More than half of all work-related fatalities are from occupational diseases, of which the majority are from exposure to asbestos,” the B.C. government says. Asbestos was eventually banned in Canada.
WorkSafeBC says that an additional 41 workers lost their lives due to traumatic injuries in the workplace, including falling from heights, being struck by objects, or being caught in equipment or machinery.
A total of 18 workers lost their lives in motor vehicle incidents.
Todd McDonald, the head of prevention services at WorkSafeBC, says that tomorrow’s day of mourning is a time to remember the workers who’ve fallen, and reflect on how to make workplaces safer.
“Behind every number is a person, a family, coworkers, and a community that are forever
changed,” McDonald said in a statement.
WorkSafeBC is also using the day of mourning as an opportunity to remind workers and employers that safe workplaces are a shared responsibility, both physically and psychologically.
“Employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthy workplace, including the training, supervision, and equipment needed to do work safely, and for taking steps to prevent psychological injuries. Workers have the right to refuse unsafe work, to know about hazards, and to participate in workplace health and safety,” WorkSafeBC says.
For those who are interested in participating in the day of mourning, it’s going to be hosted by the BC Federation of Labour at the steps of the B.C. Legislature in Victoria at 12:15 p.m. tomorrow.
“Regional ceremonies take place across the province each year. A list of local ceremonies in B.C. can be found on dayofmourning.bc.ca,” WorkSafeBC adds.
WorkSafeBC publishes penalty summaries on its website. One of its most highly-publicized penalties was handed out to construction at Oakridge, where firms were fined over $1.3 million in relation to a deadly crane incident.
Last year saw 138 workplace deaths, which is slightly below the 146 workers who lost their lives in 2024.