Thursday, April 18, 2019

Workplace Deaths on the Rise

Every year, hundreds of workers are killed on the job, while thousands more are injured. And the numbers keep creeping up rather than going down

In 2017, there were 951 reported workplace fatalities in Canada, compared with 904 in 2016 and 852 in 2015. Most workplace fatalities happened to men (920 out of 951), and 56 percent of workers killed were over the age of 64. The most dangerous occupation classification was trades/transport/equipment operator, with 486 fatalities across all industries. Construction once again claimed the top spot for deadliest industry, with 217 construction fatalities.

There were also 251,625 lost-time claims accepted in 2017, up from 240,682 in 2016 and 232,629 in 2015. The good news for Alberta is that it had the second-lowest lost-time injury rate at 1.39 percent. Only Ontario had a lower rate at 1.09 per cent. So what can workers and employers do to combat these sobering statistics?

Put in place and follow policies and guidelines to work safe.
Ensure that hazards are identified and mitigated and that workers have the training they need to stay safe.
Watch each other’s back and communicate with one another.
Finally, remember that you can refuse unsafe work.

Workplace Deaths on the Rise

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