Workplace safety is a vital topic in Canada, affecting employees and employers nationwide.
Every year, thousands of workers are injured on the job, and tragically, some lose their lives. In 2022 alone, 993 workplace fatalities, and nearly 348,747 lost-time injuries occurred, underscoring the urgent need for improved safety measures.
These numbers represent not just statistics but the real lives and families impacted by workplace incidents.
Certain industries like construction, transportation, and manufacturing see higher injury and fatality rates due to the nature of their work.
For example, the construction sector accounted for 32% of workplace deaths in 2023, even though it employs just 5% of the workforce. Such discrepancies highlight the importance of targeted safety interventions.
In addition to these figures, underreporting of incidents remains a serious concern. Many minor injuries and near misses go unrecorded, which can obscure the full scope of workplace hazards. This gap in reporting makes it harder to identify patterns and implement effective solutions.
Understanding workplace fatality and injury statistics in Canada is not just about recognizing risks; it's about promoting a culture of prevention.
By addressing these trends head-on, Canadian employers can prioritize worker well-being, comply with regulations, and reduce unsafe practices' human and financial costs.
Let's explore the numbers, their implications, and how we can work toward safer workplaces for all.
Overview of Workplace Fatalities and Injuries in Canada
Workplace safety is a critical issue in Canada, and understanding the latest statistics can help identify areas for improvement. In 2022, 993 workplace fatalities were reported across various industries in Canada.
This alarming figure includes both traumatic fatalities and occupational disease-related deaths. It is important to note that this number may be an underrepresentation, as not all incidents are reported or captured in official data sources.
The numbers are equally concerning when examining workplace injuries. In 2022, approximately 348,747 accepted lost-time injury claims were filed, highlighting the frequency with which workers face hazards on the job.
These incidents range from minor injuries to life-altering events, with some resulting in permanent disabilities.
Trends Over Recent Years
Sector
|
Disabling injuries
|
Fatal injuries
|
Minor injuries
|
Total hours worked
|
% of total disabling injuries
|
DIFR
|
AIRT
|
3020
|
2
|
3005
|
173909934
|
16.70%
|
17.38
|
BANK
|
331
|
0
|
995
|
540005683
|
1.80%
|
0.61
|
BRID
|
1
|
0
|
11
|
541581
|
0.00%
|
1.85
|
BROAD
|
194
|
1
|
276
|
54118020
|
1.10%
|
3.6
|
COMM
|
946
|
4
|
1145
|
178257679
|
5.20%
|
5.33
|
ENER
|
43
|
0
|
124
|
13518236
|
0.20%
|
3.18
|
FEED
|
159
|
1
|
396
|
17044263
|
0.90%
|
9.39
|
GRAIN
|
77
|
1
|
188
|
13539962
|
0.40%
|
5.76
|
INDG
|
91
|
1
|
575
|
34544445
|
0.50%
|
2.66
|
LONG
|
459
|
1
|
1009
|
30812480
|
2.50%
|
14.93
|
PIPE
|
10
|
1
|
18
|
11261173
|
0.10%
|
0.98
|
POST
|
1725
|
3
|
942
|
92923042
|
9.50%
|
18.6
|
PUBS
|
3840
|
3
|
5901
|
805053160
|
21.20%
|
4.77
|
RAIL
|
330
|
2
|
161
|
61717609
|
1.80%
|
5.38
|
ROAD
|
6726
|
44
|
5859
|
340378722
|
37.10%
|
19.89
|
WATER
|
179
|
3
|
662
|
24237880
|
1.00%
|
7.51
|
Canada
|
18131
|
67
|
21267
|
2391863869
|
100.00%
|
7.61
|
Source: Government of Canada
The table provides a reflection of workplace injuries and fatalities across various sectors in Canada in 2022.

The trends and observations from the data are explained in detail below:
1. High-Risk Sectors

Road Sector
- Accounts for the highest number of disabling injuries (6,726) and fatal injuries (44) among all sectors.
- Represents 37.1% of total disabling injuries, with a high disabling injury frequency rate (DIFR) of 19.89.
- Indicates the road sector is the most hazardous workplace environment.
Public Sector (PUBS)
- Has the second-highest disabling injuries (3,840) and a significant number of minor injuries (5,901).
- Contributes to 21.2% of total disabling injuries, with a moderate DIFR of 4.77.
- Suggests public sector jobs often involve physical tasks or risks leading to injuries.
AIRT (Air Transport)
- Accounts for a considerable number of disabling injuries (3,020), making up 16.7% of the total.
- The DIFR is 17.38, indicating a high frequency of disabling injuries relative to hours worked.
2. Low-Risk Sectors

Banking (BANK)
- Reports only 331 disabling injuries and no fatalities.
- Contributes to a minimal 1.8% of total disabling injuries with a low DIFR of 0.61.
- Reflects the lower physical risk associated with office-based work environments.
Pipelines (PIPE)
- Reports only 10 disabling injuries and 1 fatal injury.
- Has a very low DIFR of 0.98, demonstrating better safety measures or fewer risky operations compared to other sectors.
3. Fatalities
- The Road Sector leads in workplace fatalities with 44 reported deaths, highlighting the inherent dangers of this field, such as traffic accidents and machinery hazards.
- Sectors like COMM (4 fatalities) and Post (POST) (3 fatalities) also show notable risks, though their disabling injuries are less dominant.
- Several sectors, including Banking and Energy, report no fatalities, likely due to lower exposure to high-risk activities.
4. Injury Distribution
- Minor injuries (21,267 cases) are more frequent than disabling injuries (18,131 cases), suggesting that many incidents result in less severe outcomes.
- The sectors with the highest minor injuries are PUBS (5,901) and Road (5,859), which also have high disabling injuries, reflecting a general trend of higher overall risk.
5. Disabling Injury Frequency Rate (DIFR)
The DIFR varies significantly across sectors:
- High DIFR in sectors like Road (19.89), POST (18.6), and AIRT (17.38).
- Low DIFR in Banking (0.61) and PIPE (0.98) sectors.
This suggests that sectors with manual labor, heavy equipment, or transportation tend to have higher injury rates.
6. Total Hours Worked
High total hours worked do not always correlate with high injury rates:
- PUBS has the most hours worked (805,053,160) but a lower DIFR (4.77) compared to Road with fewer hours worked (340,378,722) and a higher DIFR (19.89).
7. Key Trends
- Sectors with physical, transportation, or public-facing roles (Road, PUBS, AIRT) have higher risks of injuries and fatalities.
- Office-based or less labor-intensive sectors (BANK, PIPE) report lower injuries and fatalities, demonstrating a safer environment.
- DIFR is a critical indicator of sector-specific risks, showing where workplace safety measures should be enhanced.
The data highlights the need for targeted safety improvements in high-risk sectors, particularly the road, air transport, and public service industries. Lower-risk sectors should continue their effective safety practices to maintain their performance.
Discrepancies in Reporting
One challenge in understanding the true scope of workplace safety issues is underreporting. Smaller businesses and industries with a high proportion of temporary or migrant workers often fail to report incidents, meaning the real figures could be significantly higher.
These statistics emphasize the need for continuous efforts to improve workplace safety measures, enforce compliance, and provide comprehensive training to workers in all sectors.
Sector-Specific Analysis
Workplace safety varies significantly across industries in Canada, with some sectors facing disproportionately high risks of fatalities and injuries.
By analyzing these statistics, we can better understand workers' challenges and identify where targeted safety measures are most needed.
This sector-specific breakdown provides insight into the industries with the highest fatality counts and injury rates, emphasizing the importance of tailored safety interventions.
1. Fatalities by Industry

Specific sectors in Canada consistently report higher workplace fatality rates due to the nature of their work environments.
In 2022, the construction industry recorded the highest number of fatalities, with 183 deaths. This reflects the inherent dangers of working at heights, operating heavy machinery, and exposure to falling objects.
Despite advances in safety equipment and regulations, construction remains one of the riskiest sectors for workers.
147 fatalities followed the agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting sectors. These industries often involve remote or solitary work, hazardous equipment, and unpredictable environmental conditions, contributing to elevated risks.
Workers are frequently exposed to dangers such as machinery entanglement, animal handling injuries, and heavy vehicle accidents.
137 fatalities were reported in the manufacturing sector. This industry is marked by risks such as contact with heavy machinery, exposure to harmful chemicals, and repetitive physical tasks that can lead to long-term health issues.
Despite these challenges, improvements in automation and safety protocols have helped reduce incident rates in recent years.
These figures underline the need for industry-specific interventions, including stricter adherence to regulations and enhanced worker training.
2. Injury Rates by Sector
Injury rates can be calculated as the number of injuries (disabling, fatal, or minor) per 1,000,000 hours worked. This standardizes the comparison across sectors regardless of the total hours worked, highlighting the relative risk in each sector.
High Injury Rate Sectors
Road Sector
- Disabling Injury Rate: Extremely high due to the large number of disabling injuries reported relative to hours worked. The nature of road work, involving heavy machinery and traffic exposure, contributes significantly.
- Fatal Injury Rate: The highest among all sectors, driven by the high risk of accidents.
- Minor Injury Rate: Also very high, reflecting the general hazards faced by workers.
Air Transport (AIRT)
- A high disabling injury rate signals physical risks like handling cargo or mechanical tasks.
- Minor injuries also occur frequently, further indicating workplace hazards.
Post Sector (POST)
- The disabling and minor injury rates are notably high, often attributed to repetitive tasks, physical labor, and transportation-related risks.
Moderate Injury Rate Sectors
Public Sector (PUBS)
While it has high raw injury numbers due to significant hours worked, its injury rates are moderate. This shows the risks are diluted by the large workforce, though physical tasks still result in injuries.
Broadcasting (BROAD) and Communication (COMM)
These sectors have moderate injury rates, reflecting specific risks related to equipment handling and site visits.
Low Injury Rate Sectors
Banking (BANK)
- Among the safest sectors, with very low disabling and fatal injury rates. The nature of work (office-based) minimizes physical risks.
Pipelines (PIPE)
- Despite being a technical field, the injury rates are low, suggesting effective safety protocols.
Sectors with Mixed Trends
Energy (ENER), Grain (GRAIN), and Feed (FEED)
- These have varying injury rates, with minor injuries more frequent than disabling ones. This may reflect effective responses to incidents before they escalate.
Key Observations
Sectors involving manual labor and outdoor tasks (e.g., Road, AIRT, POST) have significantly higher injury rates compared to office-based sectors like Banking.
Sectors with low injury rates likely have robust safety practices, advanced training, and efficient emergency responses in place.
This analysis highlights the need for targeted safety improvements in high-risk sectors and continued vigilance in maintaining low injury rates in safer environments.
Gender-Specific Analysis
Workplace safety and injury statistics reveal significant disparities between genders, driven by industry-specific employment patterns and differing exposure to risks.
Men and women experience workplace hazards differently due to the sectors they predominantly work in and the nature of their tasks.
This gender-specific analysis highlights these trends, illustrating the importance of tailored safety strategies to address the unique risks men and women face in their respective industries.
Men-Specific Analysis

Men account for the vast majority of workplace fatalities in Canada, comprising approximately 97% of workplace deaths in recent years. This stark statistic stems from male-dominated industries such as construction, mining, and forestry, which inherently involve high-risk activities.
Tasks like working at heights, operating heavy machinery, and exposure to hazardous materials significantly increase the likelihood of fatal accidents in these sectors.
For instance, the construction industry, where men represent the bulk of the workforce, frequently reports the highest number of fatalities.
In 2022 alone, construction accounted for 183 deaths, emphasizing the dangers of falls, equipment malfunctions, and collapsing structures. Similarly, mining and forestry expose workers to severe risks, including cave-ins, heavy equipment accidents, and environmental hazards.
This disparity highlights the critical need for enhanced safety protocols in male-dominated industries.
Prioritizing advanced safety training, enforcing strict compliance with Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) regulations, and investing in protective equipment can mitigate these risks. Addressing cultural factors, such as the stigma around reporting unsafe conditions, is also essential for reducing fatalities among men.
Women-Specific Analysis

Although women account for a smaller proportion of workplace fatalities, they face unique challenges, particularly regarding workplace injuries and violence.
Data shows that women's rates of lost-time claims due to workplace violence increased from 0.40 per 1,000 full-time equivalents (FTEs) in 2002 to 0.64 per 1,000 FTEs in 2015, while men's rates remained stable during the same period.
Women are predominantly employed in sectors such as healthcare, education, and social assistance, where risks of workplace violence and harassment are more prevalent. For example, healthcare workers, many of whom are women, face significant risks of violence from patients or their families.
Similarly, educators often encounter verbal harassment from students or parents, contributing to higher stress and injury rates.
The rising trend of workplace violence against women highlights the importance of implementing targeted interventions.
Employers should focus on providing comprehensive violence prevention training, creating clear reporting mechanisms, and promoting a zero-tolerance culture toward harassment.
Moreover, improving staffing levels and ensuring the availability of personal protective equipment (PPE) can further enhance workplace safety for women.
By addressing these gender-specific issues, Canadian employers can create safer and more equitable work environments, ultimately reducing the disparities in workplace fatalities and injuries.
Factors Contributing to Disparities
Understanding workplace fatality and injury disparities requires examining contributing factors beyond industry-specific risks.
Cultural, societal, and organizational elements influence these disparities, shaping behaviors, workplace dynamics, and safety outcomes.
Recognizing and addressing these factors is vital for creating equitable and safe workplaces for all employees.
Cultural and Societal Factors
Societal norms and expectations significantly contribute to the higher fatality rates among men.
Men are often culturally conditioned to take on physically demanding or dangerous jobs, such as construction, mining, and logging, where fatalities are prevalent.
Risk-taking behaviors, often reinforced by societal perceptions of masculinity, further exacerbate these risks.
For instance, studies show that men are more likely to downplay safety concerns or work through hazardous conditions without reporting issues.
Additionally, occupational segregation plays a role in these disparities. Women, more commonly found in healthcare, education, and service sectors, face different hazards, such as workplace violence or sexual harassment, but typically encounter fewer fatalities.
Addressing these societal and cultural dynamics requires reshaping perceptions about gender roles and encouraging safer practices across all sectors.
Safety Protocols
Current safety protocols often take a one-size-fits-all approach, which may fail to address different genders' unique risks.
For example, personal protective equipment (PPE) is frequently designed for average male body dimensions, leaving women with ill-fitting gear that can compromise safety.
Similarly, workplace safety training and policies may not adequately focus on issues like violence prevention, which disproportionately impacts women.
Ensuring equitable safety measures involves tailoring protocols to diverse needs. Employers should invest in gender-specific PPE designs, incorporate diverse risk scenarios into training programs, and actively seek employee input about safety concerns.
It is also critical to regularly review safety policies to ensure they align with the specific risks faced by all workers.
By acknowledging and addressing cultural, societal, and protocol-related factors, workplaces can better mitigate risks and reduce disparities in workplace fatalities and injuries.
Demographic-Specific Analysis
Workplace risks vary significantly across demographics, including age, ethnicity, and cultural background.
These differences highlight the need for tailored safety measures to address the unique vulnerabilities of different groups within the workforce.
Age-Specific Analysis

Workplace fatalities and injuries are notably impacted by age. Younger workers, often in entry-level or temporary roles, experience higher injury rates due to inexperience and inadequate training.
According to the Government of Canada website, young workers account for nearly 25% of reported workplace injuries, often from manual labor or high-turnover roles.
Older workers face a different set of challenges. While their injury rates are lower, their injuries are often more severe and require longer recovery.
For example, slips and falls can be particularly dangerous for older employees, leading to permanent disability or even fatalities.
Age also influences injury patterns differently between genders, with older men experiencing higher fatality rates in physically demanding roles and older women facing ergonomic risks in caregiving roles.
To control these risks, employers should focus on age-specific training and ergonomic workplace designs. Mentorship programs can pair younger workers with experienced colleagues to enhance safety awareness.
Ethnicity and Cultural Background

Workers from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds often experience unequal workplace risks and protections. Immigrant workers, for example, are more likely to be employed in high-risk industries such as agriculture, construction, and food processing.
Language barriers, unfamiliarity with local safety regulations, and fear of job loss can deter these workers from reporting hazards or injuries.
Studies by the Canadian Labour Congress show that racialized workers face higher injury rates due to their overrepresentation in precarious, low-wage jobs.
Systemic barriers, such as limited access to safety training or discriminatory workplace practices, can also exacerbate vulnerabilities.
Employers must address these inequities by offering multilingual safety training, promoting inclusive workplace cultures, and providing anonymous channels for reporting hazards.
Targeted outreach to ensure all workers know their rights and protections under Canadian occupational safety laws can also improve outcomes.
By focusing on age, ethnicity, and cultural differences, workplaces can create comprehensive safety strategies that protect all employees, regardless of their demographic characteristics.
Impact of Workplace Fatalities and Injuries
Workplace fatalities and injuries leave a lasting mark not just on individuals and their families but also on the economy, workplace morale, and public perception. Understanding these impacts highlights the importance of proactive workplace safety measures.
Human and Emotional Impact
The human cost of workplace fatalities and injuries is immeasurable. The loss of life devastates families, leaving behind emotional scars and financial burdens, especially if the deceased was the primary breadwinner.
Permanent injuries can drastically alter a worker's quality of life, resulting in long-term physical and psychological pain.
Beyond the injured individual, families must often adapt to new caregiving roles or adjust to reduced income, strained relationships, and mental health.
Colleagues and witnesses to workplace accidents also face emotional distress, including grief, trauma, and guilt.
These emotional consequences can ripple out to the wider community, emphasizing the far-reaching effects of workplace incidents.
Economic Costs

Workplace fatalities and injuries come with a huge economic price. Medical expenses, rehabilitation, and insurance claims often accumulate significant sums.
According to Parachute, the economic cost of injuries in Canada is estimated at $29.4 billion, covering healthcare expenses, lost income, and reduced workplace productivity.
Businesses also suffer economically. Lost productivity, absenteeism, and the expense of hiring and training replacements disrupt operations.
Legal fees and potential fines from regulatory violations further exacerbate financial strain. For small businesses, these costs can be devastating.
Impact on Workplace Morale and Public Perception
Workplace incidents ruin morale, creating fear and distrust among employees. Workers may question their employer's commitment to safety, leading to reduced job satisfaction and higher turnover rates.
Externally, public perception of the organization can suffer. Negative publicity surrounding workplace injuries or fatalities can damage a company's reputation, affecting its ability to attract customers, investors, and top talent.
By prioritizing workplace safety, employers can prevent these multifaceted impacts, protecting their workforce and organizational stability.
Investing in safety training, equipment, and a culture of safety is not only a moral obligation but also a strategic business decision.
Recommendations for Improvement
Improving workplace safety in Canada requires a multi-level approach that includes collaboration, compliance, and accountability. By focusing on proactive measures, organizations can mitigate risks, reduce fatalities and injuries, and build a safety culture.
Establishing Joint Occupational Health and Safety (JOHS) Committees
JOHS Committees play an essential role in identifying and addressing workplace hazards.
Mandated in many provinces under occupational health and safety laws, these committees bring together representatives from employees and management to collaborate on safety initiatives.
Trained members of JOHS Committees are equipped to conduct risk assessments, recommend solutions, and ensure compliance with safety standards.
For instance, they may identify the need for better personal protective equipment (PPE), recommend improved signage for hazardous areas, or develop protocols for emergency situations.
Regular committee meetings and transparent reporting help build trust between workers and employers, emphasizing a shared commitment to safety.
The presence of an active and effective JOHS Committee can significantly reduce workplace incidents.
According to the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS), workplaces with such committees often experience better compliance with safety regulations and fewer injuries.
Increasing the Frequency of Workplace Inspections

Regulatory inspections are crucial for maintaining workplace safety. By increasing the frequency of inspections, regulatory bodies can identify violations early, ensuring corrective actions are taken before accidents occur.
Inspections also act as a deterrent, encouraging employers to maintain compliance consistently.
Workplace inspections should focus on high-risk sectors, such as construction, manufacturing, and healthcare, with higher injury rates.
Inspectors must be equipped with updated training and resources to evaluate workplaces effectively, especially in light of evolving technologies and hazards.
Regular inspections also provide opportunities to educate employers and workers on best practices, promoting a deeper understanding of safety requirements. This proactive approach reduces incidents and the associated costs of non-compliance.
FAQs
How many workplace fatalities are there in Canada?
According to the Association of Workers' Compensation Boards of Canada, in 2022, Canada recorded 993 workplace fatalities. This figure highlights the ongoing need for robust safety measures and regulations to prevent such tragedies.
What is the leading cause of death in the workplace in Canada?
The leading cause of workplace fatalities in Canada is falls, particularly in industries like construction. Falls account for approximately 42% of all workplace deaths in sectors involving high-risk activities.
What is the fatal injury frequency rate?
The fatal injury frequency rate measures the number of fatalities per 100,000 workers. In Canada, this rate varies by industry, but construction and agriculture consistently report some of the highest rates, reflecting their inherent risks.
Conclusion
Workplace safety is a fundamental responsibility that protects lives, improves productivity, and sustains trust in organizational systems.
The workplace fatality and injury statistics in Canada serve as a sobering reminder of the risks workers face daily, particularly in high-hazard industries such as construction, agriculture, and manufacturing.
Accurate reporting and heightened awareness of these issues are critical for addressing the root causes of workplace incidents and implementing effective prevention strategies.
By advocating for transparent and thorough reporting, employees and employers can help uncover trends, identify gaps in safety practices, and drive meaningful changes.
Awareness campaigns, supported by actionable data, empower workers to recognize risks and encourage organizations to prioritize health and safety. This collective effort is essential for establishing a culture where safety is integral, not incidental.
Readers are encouraged to take proactive workplace steps by promoting safety training, supporting the formation of Joint Occupational Health and Safety (JOHS) Committees, and engaging in open conversations about risk prevention.
By demanding better safety standards and ensuring compliance with regulations, we can collectively reduce workplace fatalities and injuries across Canada.