In 2018, the lost-time incidence rate due to workplace injury or illness in Newfoundland and Labrador was 1.6 per 100 workers, up slightly from 1.5 the previous year.However, it still remains among the lowest in Canada.
In comparison to 2017, there were 136 more short-term claims in 2018. There was a same increase in health-care only claims.
“Reducing workplace incidents is everyone’s responsibility. Together, we must continue to find ways to ensure that everyone returns home healthy and safe at the end of the workday. With employers, workers, industry safety associations, and employer and labour advocates, we maintain our commitment to building a strong culture of safety in our province,”
-The Honourable Sherry Gambin-Walsh, Minister Responsible for WorkplaceNL.
Unfortunately, there were 36 work-related fatalities in 2018, four accidental and 32 due to occupational disease. Almost two-thirds of the occupational disease-related fatalities are due to exposure to harmful substances from decades ago in the mining industry.
“We are working to create awareness so that workers are no longer exposed to harmful substances.”
-Dennis Hogan, CEO, WorkplaceNL
“Improvements in safe work practices, regulations and certification training are helping to prevent workplace injury and illness today. It will take continued leadership and commitment from all employers, workers, and industry and safety partners to ensure that everyone has a safe and healthy workplace,” added Hogan.
The lost-time incidence rate represents the number of workers who received compensation while missing time from work due to work-related injury or illness.
WorkplaceNL offers programs to all employers and workers to help prevent workplace injury and illness. Please call 1.800.563.9000 or 778.1000, email: info@workplacenl.ca or visit www.workplacenl.ca for more information.