Saskatchewan introduces strategy to reduce serious workplace injuries, deaths

From 2010 to 2018, 354 worker deaths were reported in Saskatchewan. (Marcel Vander Wier/OHS Canada)

A new approach to preventing fatalities and serious workplace injuries was introduced in Canada’s prairie province on Dec. 2.

The Fatalities and Serious Injuries Strategy is the product of WorkSafe Saskatchewan, which is a partnership between the Saskatchewan Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) and the Ministry of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety.

It tackles high-risk industries and associated tasks.

“Safety needs to be a priority in every workplace and across all industries,” said Labour Relations and Workplace Safety Minister Don Morgan.

“Workplace injuries and fatalities are absolutely unacceptable and leave a devastating impact on loved ones. I’m pleased that we have been able to work together with a number of stakeholders to develop a strategy with concrete actions that will help to reduce the number of workplace fatalities and injuries.”

The strategy will focus on priority industries and occupations, where the greatest number of injuries to workers are reported.

Approximately 2,400 Saskatchewan workers are seriously injured each year and from 2010 to 2018, the WCB reported 354 fatalities for workers who died as a result of their job.

The three-year strategy outlines targets to reducing the number of injuries and the actions that will be taken to achieve these numbers.

The four injury priority areas are asbestos exposure, work-related motor vehicle crashes, firefighter cancer exposure and falls from heights.

“Workplace safety is everyone’s responsibility and this strategy looks to build on the work that is already taking place to reduce serious injuries and fatalities,” said WCB board chairperson Gord Dobrowolsky.

“If we are to be successful, we need to collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders so workers go home safely each day.”