New Brunswick saw fewer workplace deaths and broader safety improvements last year, according to WorkSafeNB’s 2025 annual report.
The agency says fatalities dropped from 15 in 2024 to 9 in 2025, and traumatic psychological injury claims fell by 26 per cent.
President and CEO Tim Petersen said the year brought strong progress in safety, recovery and mental‑health support.
“We saw meaningful improvements across the system,” Petersen said.
He said new partnerships with Wounded Warriors Canada and the Paramedic Association of New Brunswick helped trauma‑exposed workers access earlier and more tailored care.
The report also highlights financial strength. WorkSafeNB kept employer costs at $1.10 for every $100 of payroll, which the agency says helps support business stability.
More than $53 million was refunded to eligible employers through performance refunds.
The agency reported a funded position of 161 per cent, which it says is well above its long‑term sustainability target.
Support for families also increased. WorkSafeNB extended the 90 per cent wage‑loss benefit level to surviving spouses, matching the benefit increase introduced for injured workers in 2024.
Claim duration continued to improve, with open claims now more than 80 days shorter than in 2021.
Board chairperson Mel Norton said the results reflect the work of employees, employers and industry partners.
“These results show the impact of prevention and strong financial stewardship,” Norton said.
He also pointed to progress on SPARC, a system WorkSafeNB calls the System for People, Administration, Resources and Capital, which aims to modernize HR and finance operations and improve service delivery.
Employee engagement reached 76 per cent in 2025, which is well above industry benchmarks, according to WorkSafeNB.
The agency was also named one of Atlantic Canada’s Top Employers.
The report marks the first full year under WorkSafeNB’s 2025–2029 strategic plan.
This plan focuses on creating safer workplaces, improving recovery results, modernizing services, and ensuring sustainability in the long run.
The agency says it will continue working with workers, employers and industry partners to make New Brunswick the safest place to work.
