But 2017 saw 25 occupational fatalities in the province
For the third consecutive year, the lost-time incidence rate due to workplace injury or illness in Newfoundland and Labrador has remained at 1.5 per 100 workers, which is among the lowest in Canada. The rate among 15 to 24 year-old workers also remained stable for the second consecutive year at 1.3 per 100 workers, according to WorkplaceNL.
There were small declines in new claims, including approximately 200 less short-term claims and 160 less health-care only claims in 2017 versus 2016.
“While the statistics tell a successful story in our province, there is still a need for continued vigilance. We need to further reduce serious injuries, workplace violence and harassment,” said Minister Responsible for WorkplaceNL Sherry Gambin-Walsh.
There were 25 work-related fatalities in 2017, five accidental and 20 from occupational disease. This is up from 16 fatalities in 2016.
Some notable statistics from the 2017 report include:
•soft-tissue injuries remained at 1.0 per 100 workers for the third consecutive year
•serious injuries rose to 10.5 per 10,000 workers, from 9.7 in 2016
•hearing loss rose for the fourth consecutive year to 10.6 per 10,000 workers, up from 9.5 in 2016
•assaults and violent acts decreased to 7.7 per 10,000 workers, from 8.9 in 2016
•falls from heights reached an all-time low at 7.3 per 10,000 workers, down from 7.4 in 2016
•back injuries reached an all-time low at 3.8 per 1,000 workers, down from 4.1in 2016
•eye injuries reached an all-time low at 0.7 per 1,000 workers, down from 0.8 in 2016.
