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2025 Report on Work Fatality and Injury Rates
1
2025 Report on Work Fatality and Injury Rates in Canada
April 21, 2025
Prepared by:
Sean Tucker, PhD
Anya Keefe, MSc
2025 Report on Work Fatality and Injury Rates
2
Acknowledgements
Thank you to J.D. Bell (University of Regina), Bob Barnetson (Athabasca University), Arth
Chhatrala (Association of Workers' Compensation Boards of Canada), Bruce Cielen
(Workers’ Compensation Board of Manitoba), Jilal Jemal (Association of Workers’
Compensation Boards of Canada), Gabrielle Klass (Saskatchewan Workers’
Compensation Board), Noah Li (University of Regina), Esther Mass (University of British
Columbia), Abby Patterson (University of Regina), Eagleclaw Thom (Regina), Myra
Tucker (Parkland Secondary School), Barry Warrack (Workers’ Compensation Board of
Manitoba), and Jessica Wood (Queen’s University) for their assistance with this research.
Thanks to Janelle Gerard, Lucas Mack, and Shandi Van De Sype (University of Regina)
for helping to prepare past reports. Special thanks to Jessica Antonini for preparing the
dedication page of this report each year.
Correspondence concerning this report can be sent to Sean Tucker, Faculty of Business
Administration, University of Regina, Regina, SK, Canada, S4S 0A2. Email:
sean.tucker@uregina.ca.
2025 Report on Work Fatality and Injury Rates
3
Executive Summary
Canadian workers’ compensation boards reported that 1,056 workers died due to work-
related causes in 2023. Job-related fatalities are classified as injury (e.g., death due to
job-related electrocution) or occupational disease related (e.g., death from
mesothelioma due to work-related exposure to asbestos). A comparison of fatality rates
is important for identifying trends over time both within and between provinces and
territories.
This report provides a jurisdictional comparison of work-related injury and fatality rates
in Canada between 2019 and 2023 using data from the Association of Workers’
Compensation Boards of Canada (AWCBC).
Injury-Related Fatality Rate
Northwest Territories and Nunavut had the highest 5-year average injury fatality rate (7.2
deaths per 100,000). Among provinces with over 100,000 workers, Saskatchewan’s 5-
year average injury fatality rate ranks highest (4.2 per 100,000) followed by Alberta (3.8
per 100,000).
Seven of 12 jurisdictions experienced an increase in their 2023 injury fatality rate
compared to their 2020-2022 average rate. Among jurisdictions with over 100,000 full-
time equivalent employees, Saskatchewan (16%) and Manitoba (15%) showed the
greatest percentage increase in their 2023 injury fatality rate.
Occupational Disease-Related Fatality Rate
Among provinces with over 100,000 workers, Newfoundland and Labrador had the
highest 5-year average occupational disease fatality rate (8.1 deaths per 100,000),
followed by Alberta (4.9 deaths per 100,000) and Ontario (4.7 deaths per 100,000).
In 2023, occupational disease fatality rates decreased in nine of 12 jurisdictions
compared to the average fatality rate between 2020 and 2022. A comparison of the
2020-2022 average rates to the 2023 rates showed that among provinces with over
100,000 workers, New Brunswick (61%), Manitoba (35%), and Nova Scotia (29%) had
the greatest increase.
Lost-Time Injury Rate
Among provinces with over 100,000 workers, Manitoba continues to have the highest 5-
year lost-time injury rate (2.6 per 100), followed by British Columbia (2.2 per 100), and
Quebec (2.2 per 100).
In 2023, every jurisdiction reported lower injury rates compared to the average rate from
the three previous years. Among provinces with 100,000 employees, Alberta (-20%),
Quebec (-18%), and Newfoundland and Labrador (-15%) showed the greatest decrease
in lost-time injury rate.
2025 Report on Work Fatality and Injury Rates
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Important Data Limitations
Several factors affect the accuracy, reliability, and jurisdictional comparability of fatality
and injury rates within Canada. Readers should consider industry mix, jurisdictional
size, injury and disease under-reporting, and differences in legislation among
jurisdictions when interpreting and comparing fatality and injury rates.
Recommendations to Address Data Limitations
The following recommendations would strengthen the accuracy and comparability of the
data for future analyses, as well as foster improved awareness and prevention of work-
related injuries, diseases, and fatalities in Canada.
1. Release previous year’s injury and fatality statistics by March 31
2. Harmonize data collection and reporting within and across jurisdictions
3. Explore creative solutions to address the problem of under-reporting
4. Enhance primary prevention activities
2025 Report on Work Fatality and Injury Rates
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Table of Contents
Acknowledgements .................................................................................................................... 2
Executive Summary ................................................................................................................... 3
Dedication .................................................................................................................................. 7
1.0 Introduction.......................................................................................................................... 8
2.0 Methodology ........................................................................................................................ 9
2.1 Important Data Limitations .................................................................................. 10
3.0 Work-Related Fatality and Injury Rates by Jurisdiction, 2020-2023 ................................... 16
3.1 Provincial and Territorial Work-Related Injury Fatality Rates .............................. 17
3.2 Provincial and Territorial Work-Related Occupational Disease Fatality Rates .... 20
3.3 Provincial and Territorial Work-Related Lost-Time Injury Rates .......................... 23
4.0 Provincial Work-Related Fatality and Injury Rate Graphs, 2010-2023................................ 26
4.1 Provincial Work-Related Fatality Rate Graphs .................................................... 27
4.2 Provincial Work-Related Injury Rate Graphs ....................................................... 32
5.0 Recommendations.............................................................................................................. 37
6.0 References ........................................................................................................................ 40
Appendix: AWCBC Explanatory Notes (2010-2023) ................................................................. 44
List of Tables
Table 1: Scope of Coverage, by Jurisdiction (AWCBC, 2025) ................................................... 13
Table 2: Number of Work-Related Fatalities and Lost-Time Injuries in 2023 .............................. 16
Table 3: Five-year Average Injury Fatality Rate (per 100,000), 2019-2023 ................................ 17
Table 4: Percentage Change in Injury Fatality Rate (per 100,000), 2023 vs. 2020-2022 ........... 18
Table 5: Percentage Change in Injury Fatality Rate (per 100,000), 2018-2020 vs. 2021-2023 .. 19
Table 6: Average Occupational Disease Fatality Rate (per 100,000), 2019-2023 ...................... 20
Table 7: Percentage Change in Occupational Disease Fatality Rate (per 100,000), 2023 vs.
2020-2022 Average Rate .......................................................................................................... 21
Table 8: Percentage Change in Occupational Disease Fatality Rate (per 100,000), 2018-2020
Average Rate vs. 2021-2023 Average Rate .............................................................................. 22
Table 9: Average Lost Time Injury Rate (per 100), 2019-2023 .................................................. 23
Table 10: Percentage Change in Lost Time Injury Rate (per 100), 2023 vs. 2020-2022 ............ 24
Table 11: Change in Lost Time Injury Rate (per 100), 2018-2020 Average Rate vs. 2021-2023
Average Rate ............................................................................................................................ 25
2025 Report on Work Fatality and Injury Rates
6
List of Figures
Figure 1: The AWCBC and Provincial and Territorial WCBs ........................................................ 9
Figure 2: Alberta Work-Related Fatality Rates, 2010-2023 ........................................................ 27
Figure 3: British Columbia Work-Related Fatality Rates, 2010-2023 ......................................... 27
Figure 4: Manitoba Work-Related Fatality Rates, 2010-2023..................................................... 28
Figure 5: New Brunswick Work-Related Fatality Rates, 2010-2023 ........................................... 28
Figure 6: Newfoundland and Labrador Work-Related Fatality Rates, 2010-2023 ...................... 29
Figure 7: Nova Scotia Work-Related Fatality Rates, 2010-2023 ................................................ 29
Figure 8: Ontario Work-Related Fatality Rates, 2010-2023 ....................................................... 30
Figure 9: Quebec Work-Related Fatality Rates, 2010-2023 ....................................................... 30
Figure 10: Saskatchewan Work-Related Fatality Rates, 2010-2023 .......................................... 31
Figure 11: Alberta Work-Related Injury Rate, 2010-2023 .......................................................... 32
Figure 12: British Columbia Work-Related Injury Rate, 2010-2023 ............................................ 32
Figure 13: Manitoba Work-Related Injury Rate, 2010-2023 ....................................................... 33
Figure 14: New Brunswick Work-Related Injury Rate, 2010-2023 ............................................. 33
Figure 15: Newfoundland and Labrador Work-Related Injury Rate, 2010-2023 ......................... 34
Figure 16: Nova Scotia Work-Related Injury Rate, 2010-2023 ................................................... 34
Figure 17: Ontario Work-Related Injury Rate, 2010-2023 .......................................................... 35
Figure 18: Quebec Work-Related Injury Rate, 2010-2023 ......................................................... 35
Figure 19: Saskatchewan Work-Related Injury Rate, 2010-2023 ............................................... 36
2025 Report on Work Fatality and Injury Rates
7
Dedication
To those who died because of their work
Harshandeep Singh, age 20,
son and student, killed on the
third day of his new job
December 2024 from work
related injuries. Photo from
CBC Edmonton.
Tiera Knapp, age 18,
daughter and sister, killed at
work, March 2024. Photo
from Paragon Funeral
Services.
Nicholas Skinner, age 26,
boyfriend, son, and nephew, died
on the job April 2024, 3 days before
his 27th birthday. Photo from
Filtre.ca, information from CBC NL.
Yuridia Flores, age 41,
mother and partner, died on
the job, February 2024.
Photo from Vancouver Sun.
Gursimran Kaur, age 19,
daughter and sister, died on
the job October 2024. Photo
from CBC Nova Scotia.
David Beauchesne, age
44, husband and father,
killed at work, December
2024. Photo from
MyGrandePrairieNow.
Jamie Knight, age 43,
husband and father, died on
the job February 2024.
Photo from The Hamilton
Spectator.
Marty Butts, age 54,
husband and former fire
chief, died on the job
November 2024. Photo
from The Albertan.
Jashandeep Maan, age 22,
son and cousin, killed while
at work, September 2024.
Photo from PTC News.
Paul Gary, age 62, husband
and friend, died from
occupational cancer April
2024. Photo from Yukon
News.
Paulo DeSouza Bezerra, age
50, father and husband, died
on the job January 2024.
Photo from The London Free
Press.
Trevor Childs, age 45,
husband, father, and uncle,
died on the job April 2024.
Photo from Filtre.ca,
information from CBC NL.
2025 Report on Work Fatality and Injury Rates
8
1.0 Introduction
Canadian workers’ compensation boards reported that 1,056 workers died due to work-
related causes in 2023.
This report uses publicly available data from the Association of Workers’ Compensation
Boards of Canada (AWCBC) to estimate the injury- and occupational disease-related
fatality rates across Canadian provinces and territories over the past five years (i.e.,
between 2019 and 2023, inclusive). For comparison purposes, provincial and territorial
work-related lost-time injury rates from 2019 to 2023 are also provided. Previous reports,
published since 2017, are available online at Research Gate.
1
A comparison of fatality rates is important for identifying trends over time within and
between jurisdictions. Such comparisons not only shed light on where the greatest need
is for targeted injury prevention but also help to identify potential changes to educational,
regulatory and enforcement regimes. Furthermore, differentiating between the rates of
occupational injury and occupational disease fatalities provides insight into the types of
policy changes that may be required.
This report is organized into five sections.
Section 1 introduces the report.
Section 2 describes the methodology and highlights important limitations
associated with AWCBC data.
Section 3 compares fatality and injury rates across provinces and territories
between 2020 and 2023.
Section 4 graphically illustrates provincial fatality and injury rates between 2010
and 2023.
Section 5 presents recommendations to address some of the data limitations
identified in the report, to strengthen the accuracy and comparability of the data
for future analyses, and to foster improved prevention of work-related injuries,
diseases, and fatalities in Canada.
1
Previous reports are available at https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Sean-Tucker-2
2025 Report on Work Fatality and Injury Rates
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2.0 Methodology
The AWCBC (2020) defines a workplace fatality as “a death resulting from a work-related
incident (including disease) that has been accepted for compensation by a
Board/Commission.” Such fatalities are classified as being related to injury (for example,
a death due to job-related electrocution) or occupational disease (for example, death from
mesothelioma due to work-related exposure to asbestos).
2
Each year provincial and territorial workers’ compensation boards and commissions
submit injury, fatality, and other data to the AWCBC (Figure 1). Not surprisingly, data
available through the AWCBC’s website show that provinces with a relatively large labour
force also report a higher number of work-related fatalities than smaller jurisdictions.
While the AWCBC and research studies (e.g., Fan, McLeod, Koehoorn, 2012; Morassaei
et al., 2013) focus on workplace injury rates (and thus take into account jurisdictional
differences in labour force size), the AWCBC and other publications currently do not
report provincial and territorial work-related fatality rates.
Figure 1: The AWCBC and Provincial and Territorial WCBs
2
In 2010, the AWCBC began differentiating between the number of injury and occupational disease-
related fatalities in its publicly posted data.
2025 Report on Work Fatality and Injury Rates
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In this report, work-related injury and occupational disease fatality rates were calculated
by dividing the total number of fatalities in each jurisdiction by the estimated number of
full-time equivalent (FTE) workers in the jurisdiction, and then multiplying the result by
100,000 to arrive at a fatality rate per 100,000 workers.
3
Related data for 2023 were downloaded from the AWCBC website in April 2025 and are
available upon request.
There are three important caveats about the fatality and injury rates summarized in this
report.
1. Compensation boards report aggregate injury and fatality data by calendar year.
However, there is a significant time-lag between the end of administrative data
collection, reporting of injury and fatality statistics in provincial and territorial WCB
annual reports, and the posting of comparable aggregate data to the AWCBC’s
website.
2. AWCBC data are based on when a claim was accepted by a workers
compensation authority, not when the incident occurred. Deaths of Canadian
workers employed abroad are generally not included in WCB statistics (Rabson,
2024).
3. Work-related injury and fatality claims data, like other health-related data, have
limitations related to accuracy and comparability that need be taken into account.
2.1 Important Data Limitations
Researchers and journalists have identified several factors that affect the accuracy,
reliability, and jurisdictional comparability of occupational fatality and injury rates in
Canada (e.g., Bittle et al., 2018; Barnetson, Foster & Matsunaga-Turnbull, 2018; Sharpe
& Hardt, 2006; Thompson, 2007). Grant’s (2017a-c) reporting provides an overview of
many of these factors and related solutions.
Taking into account under-reporting and other factors (e.g., work-related commuting
related fatalities, stress-related suicides), Bittle and colleagues (2018) estimated that
the annual total number of work-related fatalities in Canada is likely ten times higher
than reported by the AWCBC.
3
The number of FTEs reflects the estimated total number of employees covered by a compensation
board (based on employer payroll estimates) as opposed to the total number of people employed in a
jurisdiction. Given that the AWCBC uses the total estimated number of FTEs for calculating lost-time
injury rates, this same approach was used for calculating fatality rates in this report. An alternative
approach, used by Sharpe and Hardte (2006), uses Statistics Canada Labour Force Survey estimates
of the total number of employed workers (instead of the estimated total number of FTE).
2025 Report on Work Fatality and Injury Rates
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Readers should consider the factors discussed below when interpreting provincial
fatality and injury rates.
4
Later in this report, we provide suggestions for addressing
limitations associated with injury and fatality data (see section 5.0).
1. Injury and fatality under-reporting. For a variety of reasons (e.g., injury severity, claim
suppression, use of alternative insurance policies, lack of awareness amongst
workers and primary care physicians that workplace exposures can cause
occupational diseases, complexity of the claims process), workers and employers may
not report eligible work-related injuries or diseases to a compensation board. For
example, recent studies have found a relationship between injury under-reporting and
precarious employment (Billias et al., 2023), increased health and safety vulnerability
and lack of awareness (Nadalin & Smith, 2022), language barriers (Premji et al.,
2023), and Indigenous identity (Lightfoot et al., 2022).
Estimates of work-related injury under-reporting (sometimes referred to as “under
claiming”) in Canada vary. For example, Shannon and Lowe’s (2002) study found that
40% of eligible claims were not reported to a compensation board or commission. A
2013 study of injury under-reporting in Manitoba concluded: “There appears to be
significant under-claiming of WCB benefits in Manitoba. Survey evidence suggests
that around 30.1% of workers who experienced a work-related injury that involved
more than 5 days of lost working time may not have claimed WCB lost earnings
benefits” (Prism Economics and Analysis, 2013, p. 2).
A 2020 study of workers in British Columbia found that 53.7% of workers who had
experienced a work-related injury that resulted in two or more days off work did not
report their injury to WorkSafeBC (Saunders, O'Grady, & Cardoso, 2020). Under-
claiming was more common among immigrant workers, non-unionized workers,
temporary workers, workers with lower educational attainment, and those employed
by small employers. The researchers also noted that employer pressure not to claim
ranged between 4-13% among unreported injuries. Premji et al. (2025) noted
“Between 2019 and 2023, only 73 claim suppression penalties were assessed against
33 employers [in Ontario]. Court convictions are also rare, with only 6 convictions for
claim suppression for the same period” (p. 2).
There is also evidence that under-reporting extends to compensation board work-
related fatality data. Koehoorn et al.’s (2015) comparison of British Columbia workers’
compensation data and external data sources (coroner, hospital, and vital statistics
data) estimated that 7% to 24% of work-related fatalities (depending upon the data
source), between 1991 and 2009, were not captured by the workers compensation
system in BC. The authors noted that they could not determine what proportion of
4
With respect to data limitations, the AWCBC provides this general cautionary note: “Differences in
population, industry mixes, coverage and legislation/policy may affect comparability between
jurisdictions. These measures use standard definitions that may differ from WCB reports. Please
contact the WCB directly with any inquiries about an individual jurisdiction. Additional measures and
explanatory footnotes for the above measures can be found in the Detailed Key Statistical Measures
Report.”
2025 Report on Work Fatality and Injury Rates
12
unreported cases involved deceased workers not covered by compensation board
insurance (see point two below).
CAREX
5
Canada has estimated the prevalence of occupational exposure to a wide
range of known and suspected carcinogens in Canada. For instance, it estimates that
235,000 Canadian workers are currently exposed to asbestos (CAREX, 2021).
However, fatalities due to occupational disease, such as mesothelioma, are not
always diagnosed and recorded as such (i.e., as being caused by occupational
exposure) by attending doctors, and thus go unreported in WCB and AWCBC data.
The Occupational Cancer Research Centre (OCRC) estimates that there are nearly
five times as many lung cancers caused by asbestos as mesotheliomas and that “both
are severely under-reported and under-compensated” (Demers, 2020; OCRC, 2019).
Their analyses show that only 61% of mesothelioma and 5% of asbestos-related lung
cancers in Canada were compensated (Demers, 2020). Investigative reporting by
Mojtehedzadeh (2016, 2017) revealed that Ontario’s Workplace Safety Insurance
Board (WSIB) reviewed (and overturned) a significant number of previously denied
occupational disease claims linked to occupational exposure to several carcinogens
at the former General Electric factory in Peterborough, Ontario (Luckhardt & Viscardis,
2019).
2. Jurisdictional differences in the proportion of workers insured. In Canada,
responsibility for workplace health and safety is laid out in labour legislation, which
primarily falls under provincial authority. Generally, this legislation includes an OHS
Act, OHS Regulations
6
and Workers' Compensation Act
7
, along with their related
regulations (CCOHS, 2025). Each province, territory and the federal government has
its own labour legislation.
At the federal level, the legislation applies to workers in the federal government,
federal corporations, and federally-regulated industries (e.g., inter-provincial and
international transportation, shipping, telephone and cable systems). Under the
Government Employees Compensation Act (“GECA”), federal injured workers are
entitled to receive compensation benefits at the same rates and under the same
conditions as provincially regulated workers working in the same jurisdiction. The
Labour Program’s Federal Workers' Compensation Service is responsible for
administering GECA; however, claims filed by workers covered under GECA
8
are
adjudicated and managed by the provincial and territorial workers’ compensation
boards through negotiated Service Agreements. Pursuant to these agreements, the
5
CAREX is the acronym for CARcinogen EXposure.
6
OHS legislation generally sets out the rights and duties of all workplace parties, as well as how workers
are to be protected from health and safety hazards (i.e., prescriptive or performance-based procedures;
education and training programs; inspection and monitoring requirements; and how laws and
regulations are enforced in the absence of voluntary compliance).
7
Workers' compensation legislation delegates authority for the delivery of workers compensation
programs and sets out responsibilities in the spheres of prevention, rehabilitation, and compensation.
8
GECA applies to all employees of the federal government and most federal crown corporations and
agencies. It does not apply to members of the Canadian Armed Forces and regular members of the
Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).
2025 Report on Work Fatality and Injury Rates
13
workers’ compensation boards are granted authority to apply the relevant Workers
Compensation Act and related policy in order to administer the GECA in their
jurisdiction. The federal government reimburses the boards for all compensation costs
awarded and paid to injured employees and pays administrative fees in accordance
with the agreement.
Provincial or territorial legislation applies to approximately 90% of workplaces;
however, there are some notable exceptions which create gaps in coverage that have
implications for the comparability of data across jurisdictions. For example, most
agricultural workers are not covered by compensation boards and, as a result,
agricultural-related fatalities are reported separately (e.g., Caxaj et al., 2022;
Karunanayake et al., 2023; Shah et al., 2011). More generally, as shown in Table 1,
estimated WCB coverage rates in 2023 varied from a high of 98% in PEI to a low of
73% in Nova Scotia (AWCBC, 2025). Injuries and deaths that occur in workplaces not
covered by compensation board insurance are not counted and are therefore not
reflected in AWCBC data. Moreover, lower coverage rates can skew fatality and injury
rates when uncovered workers are employed in relatively more (or relatively less)
dangerous industries.
Table 1: Scope of Coverage, by Jurisdiction (AWCBC, 2025)
% of Workforce
Covered (2023)
Alberta
83%
British Columbia
96%
Manitoba
79%
New Brunswick
92%
Newfoundland and Labrador*
-
Nova Scotia
75%
NWT/Nunavut
97%
Ontario
74%
Prince Edward Island
98%
Quebec
93%
Saskatchewan
72%
Yukon*
-
* data not available for 2023
3. Increasing use of workplace accommodation practices. Increasing knowledge and use
of job accommodation practices among employers can reduce the number of lost-time
injury claims submitted to a compensation board. An injury that likely led to one day
off work in the past may result in no time lost in the same workplace today due to
availability of modified duties to the injured worker on the day of their injury. In this
way, a reduction in the number of lost-time injury claims may not reflect an equal
reduction in the actual number of lost-time injuries.
2025 Report on Work Fatality and Injury Rates
14
4. Jurisdictional differences in occupational injury, disease, and fatality definitions.
Provinces and territories define work-related lost-time injuries differently. For instance,
some compensation boards count a lost-time injury when a worker misses their next
scheduled shift due to their injury, whereas some other boards count lost-time injuries
when an injured worker leaves their current shift (AWCBC, 2018).
In terms of fatalities, five compensation boards have “found dead” clauses in their
legislation (i.e., Saskatchewan, Alberta, Nova Scotia (coal miners only), Northwest
Territories and Nunavut). These boards are more likely to accept all fatalities that
occur in a workplace even when there is uncertainty about the link between a
workplace incident and the cause of death (e.g., a heart attack).
Further, some jurisdictions have “right to elect” clauses that allow workers who, for
example, are injured in a vehicle collision while working to seek compensation from
an auto insurer instead of a compensation board (see, for example, Manitoba).
Similarly, spouses of deceased workers may elect to seek benefits from an auto
insurer instead of a compensation board. Work-related fatalities and injuries that are
compensated outside of a WCB system may not be counted in AWCBC statistics.
9
There are also differences in how jurisdictions define, assess and count occupational
disease claims. For instance, five jurisdictions in Canada (British Columbia, Alberta,
Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec) have occupational disease “presumptions” that establish
causation where there is sufficient evidence that the disease is specific to a particular
exposure, process, or condition of employment (e.g., certain cancers and exposure to
asbestos), 14 jurisdictions in Canada have presumptions that establish causation for
a range of cancers and the occupation of firefighting, and 8 jurisdictions have
presumptions for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) for certain occupations.
10
However, across the jurisdictions with occupational disease presumptions, there is a
wide variation in the number of occupational diseases recognized, as well as in the
exposures/working conditions associated with them. This affects the types of cancers
and other illnesses (e.g., PTSD) that are compensated across the country.
Finally, some compensation boards do not report injury and illness statistics for self-
insured employers, yet the AWCBC includes these data in their reporting.
5. Missing and incomplete data. Occasionally, a compensation board’s data submission
to the AWCBC may be incomplete or may not conform to AWCBC definitions. In these
cases, the AWCBC provides explanatory notes for missing and non-comparable
provincial and territorial data. A list of these exceptions for the years 2010 to 2023, for
jurisdictions with such data limitations, is shown in the Appendix at the end of this
9
In relatively rare cases, the family of a deceased worker, who is killed by faulty product or equipment,
may decide not to accept WCB benefits and, instead, sue a product manufacturer. These fatalities may
not be included in WCB fatality counts.
10
These presumptions appear either in schedules to the governing statute or in supporting regulations.
Their goal is to streamline the adjudicative process by avoiding the repeated effort of producing and
analyzing medical and other evidence of work-relatedness for each individual case. In 2023, unions
continued to advocate for greater presumptive coverage for certain occupational injuries (Mercer, 2023)
and diseases (French, 2023; Frew, 2023).
2025 Report on Work Fatality and Injury Rates
15
report. In 2023, due to partial AWCBC missing data, we used both AWCBC and
related WCB annual reports data for the Yukon and Newfoundland and Labrador.
6. Jurisdictional differences in current and past industry mix. Differences in the types of
industry operating in a jurisdiction can influence injury rates and the number of work-
related fatalities (Berriault et al., 2017). Moreover, past industry mixes may influence
the present rate of long latency occupational diseases, such as the impact of
extracting, processing, and manufacturing asbestos between the 1950s and 1970s on
current claims for asbestos-related mesothelioma (e.g., Bianco & Demers, 2013).
7. Jurisdictional differences in labour force size. While fatality rates take into account
workforce size (based on coverage rates), small jurisdictions can experience dramatic
changes in their rates due to relatively small changes in the number of fatality claims
each year. For this reason, this report highlights work fatality rates in provinces with
more than 100,000 workers.
2025 Report on Work Fatality and Injury Rates
16
3.0 Work-Related Fatality and Injury Rates by Jurisdiction, 2020-2023
In 2023, the AWCBC reported 381 injury and 675 occupational disease-related fatalities
in Canada. Ontario had the highest number of injury (103) and occupational disease-
related deaths (297). In that same year, a total of 274,008 lost-time injury claims were
accepted by provincial and territorial WCBs, with Quebec reporting the highest number
of these claims (81,291).
Table 2: Number of Work-Related Fatalities and Lost-Time Injuries in 2023
Number
of Lost-
Time
Injuries
Number
of Injury-
Related
Fatalities
Number of
Occupational
Disease-
Related
Fatalities
Alberta
29,214
76
89
British Columbia
55,479
82
93
Manitoba
13,623
7
16
New Brunswick
3,688
8
11
Newfoundland and Labrador
3,164
1
14
Nova Scotia
5,475
8
9
NWT/Nunavut
743
2
0
Ontario
72,027
103
297
Prince Edward Island
1,013
1
0
Quebec
81,291
73
137
Saskatchewan
7,925
20
9
Yukon
366
0
0
Total
274,008
381
675
2025 Report on Work Fatality and Injury Rates
17
3.1 Provincial and Territorial Work-Related Injury Fatality Rates
Table 3 shows the average injury-related fatality rate between 2019 and 2023 by
jurisdiction. Considering provinces with over 100,000 workers, Saskatchewan ranks
highest (4.2 deaths per 100,000), followed by Alberta (3.8 deaths per 100,000) and
Newfoundland and Labrador (3.2 deaths per 100,000).
Table 3: Five-year Average Injury Fatality Rate (per 100,000), 2019-2023
Average 5-year Rate
Alberta
3.8
British Columbia
2.7
Manitoba
1.1
New Brunswick
2.8
Newfoundland and Labrador
3.2
Nova Scotia
2.7
NWT/Nunavut*
7.2
Ontario
1.5
Prince Edward Island*
0.5
Quebec
1.6
Saskatchewan
4.2
Yukon*
3.9
* Fewer than 100,000 FTEs
2025 Report on Work Fatality and Injury Rates
18
Table 4 compares the 2023 injury-related fatality rate to the average 2020 to 2022 rate
for each jurisdiction.
11
Among jurisdictions with over 100,000 full-time equivalent employees, Saskatchewan
(16%), Manitoba (15%) and British Columbia (14%) showed the greatest percentage
increase in their 2023 injury fatality rate. Newfoundland and Labrador (-89%) and Nova
Scotia (-33%) showed the greatest percentage decrease.
Table 4: Percentage Change in Injury Fatality Rate (per 100,000), 2023 vs. 2020-
2022
2023 Rate
Average
2020-2022
Rate
Percentage
Change
Alberta
3.7
3.6
4%
British Columbia
3.1
2.7
14%
Manitoba
1.3
1.1
15%
New Brunswick
2.3
2.5
-11%
Newfoundland and Labrador
0.4
3.7
-89%
Nova Scotia
2.1
3.2
-33%
NWT/Nunavut*
4.3
7.5
-43%
Ontario
1.7
1.5
12%
Prince Edward Island*
1.1
0.4
185%
Quebec
1.7
1.6
11%
Saskatchewan
4.7
4.0
16%
Yukon*
0.0
6.5
-100%
* Fewer than 100,000 FTEs
11
The results shown in Tables 3-11 are based on an analysis of AWCBC data by the report’s lead author.
2025 Report on Work Fatality and Injury Rates
19
Given the relatively small labour force size and relatively small number of fatalities in
some jurisdictions, three-year moving average rates may provide a more accurate picture
of general trends in injury-related fatality rates.
Table 5 compares the average injury fatality rate between 2018 and 2020 to the average
rate between 2021 and 2023. Among provinces with over 100,000 workers, Nova Scotia
(16%), British Columbia (10%), and Ontario (10%) had the greatest percentage injury
fatality rate increase. Newfoundland and Labrador (-57%), New Brunswick (-34%) and
Saskatchewan (20%) showed the greatest percentage decrease.
Table 5: Percentage Change in Injury Fatality Rate (per 100,000), 2018-2020 vs.
2021-2023
Average
2018-2020
Rate
Average
2021-2023
Rate
Percentage
Change
Alberta
4.3
3.5
-17%
British Columbia
2.5
2.8
10%
Manitoba
1.4
1.3
-7%
New Brunswick
3.4
2.2
-34%
Newfoundland and Labrador
4.2
1.8
-57%
Nova Scotia
2.7
3.1
16%
NWT/Nunavut*
8.6
8.1
-6%
Ontario
1.3
1.6
20%
Prince Edward Island*
0.0
0.8
100%
Quebec
1.5
1.6
10%
Saskatchewan
5.1
4.1
-20%
Yukon*
5.5
3.7
-32%
* Fewer than 100,000 FTEs
2025 Report on Work Fatality and Injury Rates
20
3.2 Provincial and Territorial Work-Related Occupational Disease Fatality Rates
Table 6 shows the average 5-year occupational disease fatality rate between 2019 and
2023 by jurisdiction.
Overall, among provinces with more than 100,000 workers, Newfoundland and Labrador
had the highest rate (8.1 deaths per 100,000), followed by Alberta (4.9 deaths per
100,000) and Ontario (4.7 deaths per 100,000).
Table 6: Average Occupational Disease Fatality Rate (per 100,000), 2019-2023
Average
5-year
Rate
Alberta
4.9
British Columbia
3.7
Manitoba
2.5
New Brunswick
2.0
Newfoundland and Labrador
8.1
Nova Scotia
2.5
NWT/Nunavut*
0.9
Ontario
4.7
Prince Edward Island*
0.8
Quebec
3.4
Saskatchewan
3.7
Yukon*
1.6
* Fewer than 100,000 FTEs
2025 Report on Work Fatality and Injury Rates
21
Table 7 compares the 2023 occupational disease-related fatality rate to the average rate
between 2020 and 2022. Among provinces with over 100,000 workers, New Brunswick
(61%), Manitoba (35%), and Nova Scotia (29%) showed the greatest percentage increase
in their occupational disease fatality rate. In contrast, Newfoundland and Labrador (-38%),
Alberta (-17%), and British Columbia (-12%) showed the greatest percentage decrease.
Table 7: Percentage Change in Occupational Disease Fatality Rate (per 100,000),
2023 vs. 2020-2022 Average Rate
2023 Rate
Average
2020-2022
Rate
Percentage
Change
Alberta
4.4
5.3
-17%
British Columbia
3.5
4.0
-12%
Manitoba
3.0
2.2
35%
New Brunswick
3.1
1.9
61%
Newfoundland and Labrador
5.8
9.1
-37%
Nova Scotia
2.4
1.9
29%
NWT/Nunavut*
0.0
1.5
-100%
Ontario
4.8
4.9
-2%
Prince Edward Island*
0.0
1.3
-100%
Quebec
3.3
3.4
-5%
Saskatchewan
2.1
4.2
-50%
Yukon*
0.0
2.6
-100%
* Fewer than 100,000 FTEs
2025 Report on Work Fatality and Injury Rates
22
Table 8 compares the percentage change in occupational disease-related fatality rates
by jurisdiction. Again, given the small labour force size in some jurisdictions and relatively
small number of fatalities in these jurisdictions, three-year averages rates were compared
(i.e., 2018 to 2020 rate vs. 2021 to 2023 rate) to identify general trends over recent years.
Considering provinces with over 100,000 workers, Alberta (21%), British Columbia (18%),
and Ontario (8%) showed the greatest percentage increase in occupational disease
fatality rate. In contrast, Nova Scotia had the greatest percentage decrease (-50%)
followed by Newfoundland and Labrador (-31%) and New Brunswick (-24%).
Table 8: Percentage Change in Occupational Disease Fatality Rate (per 100,000),
2018-2020 Average Rate vs. 2021-2023 Average Rate
Average
2018-2020
Rate
Average
2021-2023
Rate
Percentage
Change
Alberta
4.3
5.2
21%
British Columbia
3.3
3.9
18%
Manitoba
2.4
2.5
4%
New Brunswick
2.7
2.0
-24%
Newfoundland and Labrador
10.8
7.5
-31%
Nova Scotia
4.2
2.1
-50%
NWT/Nunavut*
0.0
1.5
100%
Ontario
4.5
4.9
8%
Prince Edward Island*
1.3
0.4
-70%
Quebec
3.5
3.5
1%
Saskatchewan
4.2
3.6
-15%
Yukon*
2.8
1.2
-56%
* Fewer than 100,000 FTEs
2025 Report on Work Fatality and Injury Rates
23
3.3 Provincial and Territorial Work-Related Lost-Time Injury Rates
Table 9 shows the average 5-year lost-time injury rate (per 100 full-time equivalent
employees) between 2019 and 2023 by jurisdiction. Among provinces with over 100,000
workers, Manitoba had the highest rate (2.6 per 100), followed by British Columbia (2.2
per 100), and Quebec (2.2 per 100).
Table 9: Average Lost Time Injury Rate (per 100), 2019-2023
Average
5-year
Rate
Alberta
1.7
British Columbia
2.2
Manitoba
2.6
New Brunswick
1.3
Newfoundland and Labrador
1.5
Nova Scotia
1.6
NWT/Nunavut*
1.9
Ontario
1.2
Prince Edward Island*
1.3
Quebec
2.2
Saskatchewan
2.0
Yukon*
1.6
* Fewer than 100,000 FTEs
2025 Report on Work Fatality and Injury Rates
24
Table 10 compares the 2023 lost-time injury rate (per 100 full-time equivalent employees)
to the average rate between 2020 and 2022.
Looking only at jurisdictions with over 100,000 employees, Alberta showed the greatest
percentage decrease in lost-time injury rate (-20%), followed by Quebec (-18%) and
Newfoundland and Labrador (-15%).
Table 10: Percentage Change in Lost Time Injury Rate (per 100), 2023 vs. 2020-
2022
2023 Rate
Average
2020-2022
Rate
Percentage
Change
Alberta
1.4
1.8
-20%
British Columbia
2.1
2.3
-8%
Manitoba
2.5
2.6
-4%
New Brunswick
1.0
1.2
-13%
Newfoundland and Labrador
1.3
1.5
-15%
Nova Scotia
1.5
1.6
-8%
NWT/Nunavut*
1.6
1.9
-17%
Ontario
1.2
1.3
-11%
Prince Edward Island*
1.2
1.3
-11%
Quebec
1.9
2.4
-18%
Saskatchewan
1.9
2.0
-7%
Yukon*
1.4
1.6
-10%
* Fewer than 100,000 FTEs
2025 Report on Work Fatality and Injury Rates
25
Table 11 compares the percentage change in lost-time injury rate (per 100 full-time
equivalent employees) by jurisdiction. Three-year averages rates were compared (i.e.,
the average 2018 to 2020 injury rate was compared to the average 2021 to 2023 injury
rate).
Among jurisdictions with over 100,000 workers, Ontario (15%), Quebec (13%) and
Alberta (12%) showed the greatest percentage increase in lost-time injury rate. New
Brunswick (-25%), Nova Scotia (-8%) and Newfoundland (-8%) showed the greatest
percentage decrease.
Table 11: Change in Lost Time Injury Rate (per 100), 2018-2020 Average Rate vs.
2021-2023 Average Rate
Average
2018-2020
Rate
Average
2021-2023
Rate
Percentage
Change
Alberta
1.6
1.7
12%
British Columbia
2.2
2.2
2%
Manitoba
2.5
2.6
3%
New Brunswick
1.5
1.1
-25%
Newfoundland and Labrador
1.6
1.5
-8%
Nova Scotia
1.7
1.6
-8%
NWT/Nunavut*
2.1
1.8
-11%
Ontario
1.1
1.3
15%
Prince Edward Island*
1.4
1.3
-7%
Quebec
2.0
2.3
13%
Saskatchewan
2.0
2.0
-1%
Yukon*
1.7
1.5
-13%
* Fewer than 100,000 FTEs
2025 Report on Work Fatality and Injury Rates
26
4.0 Provincial Work-Related Fatality and Injury Rate Graphs, 2010-2023
The graphs in this section provide a visual representation of fatality and lost-time injury
rates by jurisdiction between 2010 and 2023. Due to relatively high yearly variability in
rates in smaller jurisdictions, graphs for NWT/Nunavut, PEI, and the Yukon are omitted.
What is noteworthy in these graphs is that in most jurisdictions, the occupational
disease fatality rate has surpassed (or is close to surpassing) the injury fatality rate.
This trend aligns with findings reported in 2013 by the Occupational Cancer Research
Centre that the number of compensated claims for deaths from occupational cancer in
Canada had dramatically increased since 1997 and that it had surpassed the number of
traumatic injuries in approximately 2005 (Del Bianco and Demers, 2013). The
exceptions are Saskatchewan, Alberta, and New Brunswick where, in some years, the
injury fatality rate is higher than the occupational disease fatality rate.
In jurisdictions across Canada, the occupational disease fatality rate appears to be
trending upwards over time. This is consistent with what has been previously reported in
the literature (Del Bianco and Demers, 2013; Sharpe and Hardt, 2006) and what we
expect to happen as more workers are diagnosed with long-latency diseases. However,
as these graphs illustrate, the rates fluctuate from year to year. There could be several
reasons for these fluctuations, including changes to policy that expand (or restrict)
coverage, as well as heightened awareness and media attention within specific
workplaces that result in more claims being filed and compensated as happened at the
GE plant in Peterborough, Ontario (see Mojtehedzadeh, 2017).
For example, the elevated occupational disease fatality rate in Newfoundland and
Labrador may reflect the impact of a policy change on occupational disease claims. In
2016, the province’s Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Act was amended to
provide presumptive coverage for eleven cancers to career firefighters (retroactive to
December 14, 2015) and to volunteer firefighters (effective January 1, 2017)
(Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, 2016). The occupational disease fatality
rate in NL increased from 3.5 per 100,000 (2016) to 14.6 (2018) and then declined to
7.3 (2019). An earlier spike in 2011 (to 14.5) appears to follow on the creation of the
Baie Verte Miners’ Registry, a voluntary exposure registry created to register as many
former employees of the Baie Verte asbestos mine/mill as possible and to collect
information on work history (including asbestos exposure), medical history, vital status,
and current health status (Giles Murphy, Bornstein, Oudyk, Demers, 2021; Arrandale,
Bornstein, King, Takaro, Demers, 2016; Bornstein, Demers, Fowler, et al. 2013). Similar
increases in the fatality rate may be seen in Saskatchewan in the next few years as the
provincial government expanded presumptive coverage for firefighters to include 22
cancers (Saskatchewan WCB, 2024).
2025 Report on Work Fatality and Injury Rates
27
4.1 Provincial Work-Related Fatality Rate Graphs
Figure 2: Alberta Work-Related Fatality Rates, 2010-2023
Figure 3: British Columbia Work-Related Fatality Rates, 2010-2023
3.5
2.9 2.9
4.8
3.7 3.2
3.9
4.5
4.0 4.2 4.7
6.0
5.2
4.4
4.2 4.0 4.4
4.3
4.0
2.9
3.4
4.2
4.5 4.4
3.9 3.8
3.1
3.7
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
Rate per 100,000
Occupational Disease Fatality Rate Injury Fatality Rate
3.5 3.5 4.0
3.1
4.4
3.2 3.7 3.6
2.7
3.3 3.8 4.0 4.1
3.5
3.2 3.5
2.9 2.8
3.4
2.3 2.5 3.0 2.7 2.3 2.7 2.5 2.8 3.1
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
Rate per 100,000
Occupational Disease Fatality Rate Injury Fatality Rate
2025 Report on Work Fatality and Injury Rates
28
Figure 4: Manitoba Work-Related Fatality Rates, 2010-2023
Figure 5: New Brunswick Work-Related Fatality Rates, 2010-2023
3.1 3.2
6.3
3.5
2.7 3.1
2.4 2.8
2.1
2.9
2.1 2.4 2.1
3.0
0.4
2.2
1.5 1.5
0.4 0.8 0.8 0.6
2.5
0.8 0.8
1.6
1.0 1.3
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
Rate per 100,000
Occupational Disease Fatality Rate Injury Fatality Rate
0.9 1.2
1.8
2.6 2.3 1.9 2.2 2.5
4.0
1.2
2.8
1.8
1.2
3.1
2.7 2.4 2.4
0.9
1.5
4.0 4.1
2.2
2.8
4.3
3.1
1.8
2.7 2.3
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
Rate per 100,000
Occupational Disease Fatality Rate Injury Fatality Rate
2025 Report on Work Fatality and Injury Rates
29
Figure 6: Newfoundland and Labrador Work-Related Fatality Rates, 2010-2023
Figure 7: Nova Scotia Work-Related Fatality Rates, 2010-2023
9.6
14.5
9.5
11.8
8.3 8.0
3.5
9.1
14.6
7.3
10.6
7.0
9.8
5.8
6.6
3.2 2.9 2.4
5.1
3.3
2.2
2.3
1.8
4.5
6.2
1.4
3.6
0.4
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
Rate per 100,000
Occupational Disease Fatality Rate Injury Fatality Rate
4.1 4.2
4.7 4.7
3.8
7.4
4.5
3.6
6.2
4.4
1.8
2.9
0.8
2.4
3.2 2.8
1.6
3.5
1.9 1.6
2.7
0.6
3.8
1.8
2.5
4.1
3.1
2.1
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
Rate per 100,000
Occupational Disease Fatality Rate Injury Fatality Rate
2025 Report on Work Fatality and Injury Rates
30
Figure 8: Ontario Work-Related Fatality Rates, 2010-2023
Figure 9: Quebec Work-Related Fatality Rates, 2010-2023
5.8 5.5
4.0
3.2 3.6 3.5
4.3 3.9
4.7
3.9
4.9
5.9
3.9
4.8
1.6 1.9 1.5 1.5 1.4 1.1 1.1 1.4 1.3 1.4 1.3 1.6 1.6 1.7
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
Rate per 100,000
Occupational Disease Fatality Rate Injury Fatality Rate
3.3 3.8 3.7 3.3 2.9 3.4 3.6
4.3 4.2
3.3 3.0
3.7 3.6 3.3
2.6
1.9 2.0 1.7 1.5 1.8 2.1 1.6 1.6 1.4 1.5 1.5 1.7 1.7
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
Rate per 100,000
Occupational Disease Fatality Rate Injury Fatality Rate
2025 Report on Work Fatality and Injury Rates
31
Figure 10: Saskatchewan Work-Related Fatality Rates, 2010-2023
4.3 3.7
4.8
3.2 2.4 2.1
4.2
3.0
4.8
3.8 3.9 3.7
4.9
2.1
7.1
5.4
10.3
5.4
6.9
5.4
3.4
3.3
6.7
4.3 4.4
3.5 4.2 4.7
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
Rate per 100,000
Occupational Disease Fatality Rate Injury Fatality Rate
2025 Report on Work Fatality and Injury Rates
32
4.2 Provincial Work-Related Injury Rate Graphs
Figure 11: Alberta Work-Related Injury Rate, 2010-2023
Figure 12: British Columbia Work-Related Injury Rate, 2010-2023
1.42 1.49 1.39 1.37 1.31 1.28 1.25 1.39 1.47 1.52 1.66 1.81 1.96
0
1
2
3
4
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
Rate per 100
2.27 2.33 2.34 2.30 2.27 2.22 2.20 2.18 2.20 2.20 2.14 2.24 2.39
2.07
0
1
2
3
4
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
Rate per 100
2025 Report on Work Fatality and Injury Rates
33
Figure 13: Manitoba Work-Related Injury Rate, 2010-2023
Figure 14: New Brunswick Work-Related Injury Rate, 2010-2023
3.37 3.27 3.33 3.12 3.17 3.00 2.91 2.82
2.57 2.52 2.55 2.61 2.75 2.52
0
1
2
3
4
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
Rate per 100
1.35 1.26 1.18 1.13 1.15 1.20 1.41 1.46 1.56 1.63
1.27 1.16 1.15 1.04
0
1
2
3
4
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
Rate per 100
2025 Report on Work Fatality and Injury Rates
34
Figure 15: Newfoundland and Labrador Work-Related Injury Rate, 2010-2023
Figure 16: Nova Scotia Work-Related Injury Rate, 2010-2023
2.03 1.99 1.76 1.78 1.73 1.70 1.58 1.54 1.60 1.68 1.49 1.51 1.58
1.30
0
1
2
3
4
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
Rate per 100
2.21 2.08 2.01 1.92 1.90 1.94 1.81 1.83 1.81 1.72 1.57 1.62 1.60 1.47
0
1
2
3
4
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
Rate per 100
2025 Report on Work Fatality and Injury Rates
35
Figure 17: Ontario Work-Related Injury Rate, 2010-2023
Figure 18: Quebec Work-Related Injury Rate, 2010-2023
1.15 1.05 1.01 0.95 0.92 0.85 1.08 1.09 1.16 1.14 1.14 1.30 1.48
1.16
0
1
2
3
4
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
Rate per 100
1.97 1.93 1.85 1.82 1.80 1.74 1.80 1.89 1.99 2.06 2.08 1.99
3.03
1.93
0
1
2
3
4
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
Rate per 100
2025 Report on Work Fatality and Injury Rates
36
Figure 19: Saskatchewan Work-Related Injury Rate, 2010-2023
3.15
2.90 2.81 2.57
2.24 2.04 2.11 2.00 2.11 1.98 1.90 2.01 2.05 1.85
0
1
2
3
4
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
Rate per 100
2025 Report on Work Fatality and Injury Rates
37
5.0 Recommendations
The following recommendations are principally aimed at addressing some of the data
limitations identified in Section 2.1 of this report. If implemented, they could strengthen
the accuracy and comparability of the data for future analyses, as well as foster greater
awareness and improved prevention of work-related injuries, diseases, and fatalities in
Canada.
1. Release previous year’s injury and fatality statistics by March 31
As noted earlier, there is a one-year lag between the end of year recording of injury and
fatality claims and the public release of comparable provincial and territorial data by the
AWCBC. The AWCBC releases information on 39 variables. We recommend that the
WCBs and AWCBC expedite the release of provincial and territorial data for three
variables – specifically, accepted lost time claims, non-lost time claims, and fatalities –
by March 31 each year. Having this information available in time for the National Day of
Mourning in late April will help raise public awareness of work-related injuries and
fatalities and facilitate more timely comparisons of injury and fatality rates among
jurisdictions.
2. Harmonize data collection and reporting within and across jurisdictions
Efforts should be undertaken to harmonize data collection and reporting amongst the
systems responsible for occupational injury/disease prevention and workers’
compensation in Canada. A review of the workers’ compensation system in Alberta,
conducted in 2016-2017, illustrated that there is an appetite for improved collection and
sharing of data, both within and across jurisdictions.
12
In its final report, the WCB
Review Panel recommended that:
OHS and WCB jointly establish a working group featuring representation from
employers, workers, the WCB and OHS, to examine issues and make
improvements to the collection and use of data related to workplace injuries and
illnesses.
Among its efforts, the working group should develop and implement solutions
related to:
The use of data for purposes other than those for which it was collected;
The harmonization of data among the WCB, OHS, other entities, and
other public agencies, boards and commissions in Alberta;
The timeliness of data that is gathered; and
Addressing privacy implications that might attend the gathering of data
regarding workplace injuries and illnesses and the sharing of that data
among the WCB, OHS and other entities.
12
Working Together. Report and Recommendations of the Alberta Workers’ Compensation Board Review
Panel (June 2017) is available online at https://open.alberta.ca/publications/working-together-report-
and-recommendations-of-the-wcb-review-panel.
2025 Report on Work Fatality and Injury Rates
38
Recommendation 59
If organizations and agencies responsible for prevention and workers’ compensation
across Canada came together to harmonize the definitions, the coding, and the
categorization of the data they collected, it would not only facilitate more timely
interjurisdictional comparisons, but it would also be helpful for identifying opportunities
for workplaces to improve – both of which would be particularly advantageous for
employers that operate in multiple provinces. Harmonization could be achieved either
prospectively (i.e., by jurisdictions agreeing to collect exactly the same information on a
go-forward basis) or retrospectively (i.e., by processing of pre-existing data collected by
each jurisdiction to make sure that it is compatible). Statistics Canada could take a lead
role in harmonizing injury and fatality data in Canada (Grant, 2017a). Australia's
National Data Set for Compensation-based Statistics provides an instructive example
and useful model for how such an initiative could be accomplished
13
.
3. Explore creative solutions to address the problem of under-reporting
Efforts should be undertaken to develop, implement and evaluate methods to ensure
that all work-related injuries, diseases, and fatalities recognized by legislation,
regulation and/or policy are captured – and appropriately compensated – by workers’
compensation systems across the country. Some options that could be considered are:
Estimating the prevalence of lost time injury (Prism Economics and Analysis,
2013), non-lost time injury, and fatality under-reporting (Koehoorn et al., 2015) in
each jurisdiction.
Detering employer injury claim suppression via increased penalties and number
of penalties for employers found by workers’ compensation boards to be
suppressing legitimate injury claims (Premji et al., 2025).
Fostering the linkage of population-based administrative datasets with the
workers’ compensation administrative datasets (using, for example, British
Columbia’s repository of linked administrative data, Population Data BC
14
, or the
Partnership for Work, Health and Safety
15
as a model);
Creating population-based exposure and/or injury/disease/fatality surveillance
systems and linking them with primary prevention activities (Ontario’s
Occupational Disease Surveillance System
16
provides a model that could be
adapted and expanded to other jurisdictions); and,
Designing tools, resources and awareness campaigns for health care providers
to facilitate contact between their patients and the workers’ compensation system
(like, for example, an initiative that was undertaken in the early 2000s by the BC
13
See https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/doc/national-dataset-compensation-based-statistics-3rd-
edition-revision-1
14
See https://www.popdata.bc.ca/.
15
See http://pwhs.ubc.ca/.
16
The Occupational Disease Surveillance System (ODSS), which was created by the Occupational
Cancer Research Centre in 2016, is online at https://www.occupationalcancer.ca/project/odss/. The
system provides a means to examine disease trends and patterns by disease, exposure, and industry
and to detect changes in disease risk over time.
2025 Report on Work Fatality and Injury Rates
39
Cancer Registry to advise physicians that their patients with mesothelioma may
be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits
17
).
In addition, implementation of the recommendations in the 2020 report entitled Using
Scientific Evidence and Principles to Help Determine the Work-Relatedness of Cancer
(Demers, 2020)
18
would not only improve evidence-based decision-making in the
adjudication of occupational disease claims, but would also address the occupational
disease compensation gap (i.e., the difference between the estimated burden of
occupational diseases and the number that are compensated). This gap is primarily due
to under-recognition of occupational diseases by primary care physicians and
consequent under-reporting of claims to the workers’ compensation system (Demers,
2020).
4. Enhance primary prevention activities
Efforts should be undertaken to enhance primary prevention activities within and across
jurisdictions. These efforts could include:
Targeting high-risk industries and occupations
Ensuring compliance with existing occupational health and safety regulatory
frameworks
Improving enforcement activities (e.g., focussed inspections, targeted programs
and initiatives)
Creating multi-pronged primary prevention initiatives that combine consultation,
education, and enforcement activities
Developing public awareness campaigns, partnerships, and community
outreach.
17
See Hurrell, AC et al. (2013) for a description of this initiative.
18
The full report can be downloaded here: https://www.occupationalcancer.ca/resources/scientific-
evidence-work-relatedness-cancer-report/
2025 Report on Work Fatality and Injury Rates
40
6.0 References
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exposure registries for improved tracking of occupational exposure and disease.
Canadian Journal of Public Health / Revue Canadienne de Santé Publique.
107(1):e119-e25.
Association of Workers’ Compensation Boards of Canada (AWCBC). (2025). Key
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Barnetson, B., Foster, J., & Matsunaga-Turnbull, J. (2018). Estimating under-claiming of
compensable workplace injuries in Alberta, Canada. Canadian Public
Policy, 44(4), 400-410.
Berriault, C. J., Lightfoot, N. E., Seilkop, S. K., & Conard, B. R. (2017). Injury mortality in
a cohort of mining, smelting, and refining workers in Ontario. Archives of
Environmental & Occupational Health, 72(4), 220-230.
Bianco, A. D., & Demers, P. A. (2013). Trends in compensation for deaths from
occupational cancer in Canada: A descriptive study. CMAJ Open, 1(3).
doi:10.9778/cmajo.20130015
Billias, N., MacEachen, E., & Sherifali, S. (2023). “I grabbed my stuff and walked out”:
Precarious workers’ responses and next steps when faced with procedural
unfairness during work injury and claims processes. Journal of Occupational
Rehabilitation, 33(1), 160-169.
Bittle, S., Chen, A., & Hébert, J. (2018). Work-Related Deaths in Canada. Labour/Le
Travail, 82, 159-187.
Bornstein S., Demers P., Fowler K. et al. (2013). Registry of the Former Workers of the
Baie Verte Asbestos Mine—Final Report. Available at
https://www.mun.ca/safetynet/media/production/memorial/administrative/safetynet/media
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Caxaj, S., Tran, M., Mayell, S., Tew, M., McLaughlin, J., Rawal, S., ... & Cole, D. (2022).
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CCOHS (Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety). Legislation.
https://www.ccohs.ca/topics/legislation. Date Accessed: April 11, 2025
Demers, PA. (2020). Using Scientific Evidence and Principles to Help Determine the
Work-Relatedness of Cancer.
2025 Report on Work Fatality and Injury Rates
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https://www.occupationalcancer.ca/resources/scientific-evidence-work-
relatedness-cancer-report/
Fan J, McLeod CB, Koehoorn M. (2012). Descriptive epidemiology of serious work-
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French, J. (March 8, 2023). Omnibus bill would make it easier for Fort McMurray
firefighters to get WCB coverage for cancer. CBC News Alberta.
Frew, N. (October 30, 2023). Saskatchewan would lead Canada in firefighter cancer
coverage if bill passes. CBC News Saskatchewan.
Giles Murphy T, Bornstein S, Oudyk J, Demers PA. (2021). A Quantitative
Retrospective Exposure Assessment for Former Chrysotile Asbestos Miners and
Millers from Baie Verte, NL, Canada. Ann Work Expo Health. 65(1):113-26.
Government of Newfoundland and Labrador (2016). Statutes of Newfoundland and
Labrador. Chapter 50. An Act to amend the Workplace Health, Safety And
Compensation Act. Assented to: December 14, 2016. [URL:
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Grant, T. (November 5, 2017a). Statistics Canada looks to close data gap on workplace
deaths, injuries. The Globe and Mail.
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/statistics-canada-to-broaden-
data-collection-on-worker-deaths-injuries/article36840619/
Grant, T. (October 29, 2017b). 'We're not seeing the truth': Inside the hidden dangers of
the Canadian workplace. The Globe and Mail.
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/canadian-workplace-hidden-
dangers/article36763608/
Grant, T. (October 27, 2017c). Canada’s deadliest jobs. The Globe and Mail.
https://beta.theglobeandmail.com/news/investigations/fishing-methodology-
deadliest-sector-canada/article36725323/
Hurrell, A.C., Koehoorn, M., McLeod, C.B., Marino, S., Demers, P.A., Lee, C., Pomaki,
G., Smok, S. (2013). Seeking Compensation for Mesothelioma: Investigating why
Individuals do or do not seek Workers’ Compensation Benefits in British
Columbia. Report RS2010-IG32. July 2013. Available online at:
https://www.worksafebc.com/en/resources/about-us/research/seeking-
compensation-for-mesothelioma-investigating-why-individuals-do-or-do-not-seek-
workers-compensation-benefits-in-british-columbia?lang=en .
Karunanayake, C. P., Koehncke, N., Enebeli, S., Ulmer, K., & Rennie, D. C. (2023).
Trends in Work-Related Fatal Farm Injuries, Saskatchewan, Canada: 2005–
2019. Journal of Agromedicine, 28(3), 444-455.
2025 Report on Work Fatality and Injury Rates
42
Koehoorn, M., Tamburic, L., Xu, F., Alamgir, H., Demers, P. A., & McLeod, C. B. (2015).
Characteristics of work-related fatal and hospitalised injuries not captured in
workers’ compensation data. Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 72(6),
413-420.
Lightfoot, N., Manitowabi, D., Arrandale, V., Barnett, N., Wabegijig-Nootchtai, C., Odjig,
M. L., ... & Warry, W. (2022). Workers’ compensation experience in some
Indigenous Northern Ontario communities. Work, 73(2), 707-717.
Mercer, S. (November 8, 2023). Nurses in Alberta push for presumptive coverage for
psychological injuries. OHS News.
https://www.thesafetymag.com/ca/topics/psychological-safety/nurses-in-alberta-
push-for-presumptive-coverage-for-psychological-injuries/465998
Mojtehedzadeh, S. (December 17, 2017). WSIB reverses majority of denied GE
Peterborough cancer claims. Toronto Star.
https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2017/12/17/wsib-reverses-majority-of-denied-
ge-peterborough-cancer-claims.html.
Mojtehedzadeh, S. (December 18, 2016). Lethal legacy. Toronto Star.
http://projects.thestar.com/lethal-legacy/.
Morassaei, S., Breslin, F. C., Shen, M., & Smith, P. M. (2013). Examining job tenure
and lost-time claim rates in Ontario, Canada, over a 10-year period, 1999–2008.
Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 70, 171-178.
Nadalin, V., & Smith, P. M. (2020). Examining the impact of occupational health and
safety vulnerability on injury claim reporting in three Canadian provinces.
American Journal of Industrial Medicine, 63(5), 435-441.
Occupational Cancer Research Centre. (2019). Burden of occupational cancer in
Canada: Major workplace carcinogens and prevention of exposure. Toronto, ON.
http://www.occupationalcancer.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/OCRC_National-
Burden-Report_2019.pdf
Occupational Cancer Research Centre. (2019) .The Occupational Disease Surveillance
System. https://www.occupationalcancer.ca/project/odss/
Premji, S., Begum, M., & Laila, K. (2025). Claim Suppression of Occupational Injuries
and Illnesses Among Precariously Employed Immigrant Workers in Ontario.
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Premji, S., Begum, M., & Medley, A. (2023). Systemic barriers to reporting work injuries
and illnesses in contexts of language barriers. American Journal of Industrial
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2025 Report on Work Fatality and Injury Rates
43
Prism Economics and Analysis. (2013). Claim suppression in the Manitoba
Compensation System: Research report.
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Rabson, M. (April 5, 2024). Mother of Canadian aid worker rejects Israel’s explanation
for his death. The Globe and Mail.
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cancer-coverage-0 Date Accessed: April 21, 2025.
Saunders, R., O'Grady, J., Cardoso, S. (2020). Estimates of the nature and extent of
claim suppression in British Columbia’s workers' compensation system.
https://www.iwh.on.ca/scientific-reports/estimates-of-nature-and-extent-of-claim-
suppression-in-british-columbias-workers-compensation-system
Shah, S. M., Hagel, L., Lim, H., Koehncke, N., & Dosman, J. A. (2011). Trends in farm
fatalities, Saskatchewan, Canada: 1990-2004. Canadian Journal of Public
Health/Revue Canadienne de Sante'e Publique, 51-54.
Sharpe, A. and Hardt, J. (2006). Five Deaths a Day: Workplace Fatalities in Canada
1993–2005, CSLS Research Report 2006–04 (Ottawa: Centre for the Study of
Living Standards, 2006)
Shannon, H. S., & Lowe, G. S. (2002). How many injured workers do not file claims for
workers' compensation benefits? American Journal of Industrial Medicine, 42(6),
467-473.
Thompson, A. (2007). The consequences of underreporting workers' compensation
claims. Canadian Medical Association Journal, 176(3), 343-344.
2025 Report on Work Fatality and Injury Rates
44
Appendix: AWCBC Explanatory Notes (2010-2023)
Manitoba
Variable
Year
Note
Injury Frequency
2010
The 2010 Annual Report states that the 2010 preliminary time
loss injury rate is 3.3%. The Annual Report's approach differs
slightly from the AWCBC approach to this statistic.
Injury Frequency
2011
The 2011 Annual Report states that the 2011 preliminary time
loss injury rate is 3.3%. The Annual Report's approach differs
slightly from the AWCBC approach to this statistic.
Injury Frequency
2012
The 2012 Annual Report states that the 2012 preliminary time
loss injury rate is 3.3%. The Annual Report's approach differs
slightly from the AWCBC approach to this statistic.
Injury Frequency
2013
The 2012 Annual Report states that the 2012 preliminary time
loss injury rate is 3.3%. The Annual Report's approach differs
slightly from the AWCBC approach to this statistic. The 2013
Annual Report states that the 2013 preliminary time loss injury
rate is 3.2%. The Annual Report's approach differs slightly from
the AWCBC approach to this statistic.
Injury Frequency
2014
The 2014 Annual Report states that the 2014 preliminary time
loss injury rate is 3.2%. The Annual Report's approach differs
slightly from the AWCBC approach to this statistic.
2025 Report on Work Fatality and Injury Rates
45
New Brunswick
Variable
Year
Note
Total Number of
Lost-Time Claims
2010
NB has a 3-day waiting period therefore, the number of lost time claims listed in
this report may not reflect every lost time injury for this province. NB accepted
5,971 lost-time claims (including day of accident) in total in 2010.
Total Number of
Lost-Time Claims
2011
NB has a 3-day waiting period therefore, the number of lost time claims listed in
this report may not reflect every lost time injury for this province. NB accepted
5,688 lost-time claims (including day of accident) in total in 2011.
Total Number of
Lost-Time Claims
2012
NB has a 3-day waiting period therefore, the number of lost time claims listed in
this report may not reflect every lost time injury for this province. NB accepted
5,302 lost-time claims (including day of accident) in total in 2012.
Total Number of
Lost-Time Claims
2013
NB has a 3-day waiting period therefore, the number of lost time claims listed in
this report may not reflect every lost time injury for this province. NB accepted
5,276 lost-time claims (including day of accident) in total in 2013.
Total Number of
Lost-Time Claims
2014
NB has a 3-day waiting period therefore, the number of lost time claims listed in
this report may not reflect every lost time injury for this province. NB accepted
5,349 lost-time claims (including day of accident) in total in 2014.
Total Number of
Lost-Time Claims
2015
NB has a 3-day waiting period therefore, the number of lost time claims listed in
this report may not reflect every lost time injury for this province. NB accepted
5,152 lost-time claims (including day of accident) in total in 2015.
Total Number of
Lost-Time Claims
2017
NB has a 3-day waiting period therefore, the number of lost time claims listed in
this report may not reflect every lost time injury for this province. NB accepted
5,550 lost-time claims (including day of accident) in total in 2017.
Total Number of
Lost-Time Claims
2018
NB has a 3 day waiting period therefore, the number of lost time claims listed in
this report may not reflect every lost time injury for this province. NB accepted
5,862 lost-time claims (including day of accident) in total in 2018.
Total Number of
Lost-Time Claims
2019
NB has a waiting period. The number of LT claims in this measure reflects all
LT claims including the waiting period. If the waiting period is excluded, NB
accepted 4213 lost time claims only in 2019.
Total Number of
Lost-Time Claims
2020
NB has a waiting period. The number of LT claims in this measure reflects all
LT claims including the waiting period.
The process for calculating lost time claims was adjusted in the 2019
submission.
Total Number of
Lost-Time Claims
2021
NB has a waiting period. The number of LT claims in this measure reflects all
LT claims including the waiting period.
The process for calculating lost time claims was adjusted in the 2019
submission.
Total Number of
Lost-Time Claims
2022
NB has a waiting period. The number of LT claims in this measure reflects all
LT claims including the waiting period.
The process for calculating lost time claims was adjusted in the 2019
submission.
Total Number of
Lost-Time Claims
2023
The process for calculating lost time claims was adjusted in the 2019
submission.
2025 Report on Work Fatality and Injury Rates
46
New Brunswick
Variable
Year
Note
Injury Frequency
2010
NB has a 3-day waiting period therefore, the number of lost time claims listed in
this report may not reflect every lost time injury for this province. NB accepted
5,971 lost-time claims (including day of accident) in total in 2010.
Injury Frequency
2011
NB has a 3-day waiting period therefore, the number of lost time claims listed in
this report may not reflect every lost time injury for this province. NB accepted
5,688 lost-time claims (including day of accident) in total in 2011.
Injury Frequency
2012
NB has a 3-day waiting period therefore, the number of lost time claims listed in
this report may not reflect every lost time injury for this province. NB accepted
5,302 lost-time claims (including day of accident) in total in 2012.
Injury Frequency
2013
NB has a 3-day waiting period therefore, the number of lost time claims listed in
this report may not reflect every lost time injury for this province. NB accepted
5,276 lost-time claims (including day of accident) in total in 2013.
Injury Frequency
2014
NB has a 3-day waiting period therefore, the number of lost time claims listed in
this report may not reflect every lost time injury for this province. NB accepted
5,349 lost-time claims (including day of accident) in total in 2014.
Injury Frequency
2015
NB has a 3-day waiting period therefore, the number of lost time claims listed in
this report may not reflect every lost time injury for this province. NB accepted
5,152 lost-time claims (including day of accident) in total in 2015.
Injury Frequency
2016
NB has a 3-day waiting period therefore, the number of lost time claims listed in
this report may not reflect every lost time injury for this province. NB accepted
5,698 lost-time claims (including day of accident) in total in 2016.
Injury Frequency
2017
NB has a 3 day waiting period therefore, the number of lost time claims listed
in this report may not reflect every lost time injury for this province. NB
accepted 5,550 lost-time claims (including day of accident) in total in 2017.
Injury Frequency
2018
NB has a 3 day waiting period therefore, the number of lost time claims listed
in this report may not reflect every lost time injury for this province. NB
accepted 5,862 lost-time claims (including day of accident) in total in 2018.
Injury Frequency
2019
The process for calculating lost time claims was adjusted in for the 2019
submission.
Injury Frequency
2021
NB has a waiting period. The number of LT claims in this measure reflects all
LT claims including the waiting period.
The process for calculating lost time claims was adjusted in the 2019
submission.
Injury Frequency
2022
NB has a waiting period. The number of LT claims in this measure reflects all
LT claims including the waiting period.
The process for calculating lost time claims was adjusted in the 2019
submission.
2025 Report on Work Fatality and Injury Rates
47
Nova Scotia
Variable
Year
Note
Total Number of Lost-Time Claims
2010
NS has a 2-day waiting period therefore, the number of lost time
claims listed in this report may not reflect every lost time injury
for this province. The total number of lost-time claims published
in the WCB of Nova Scotia's 2010 annual report is 6,921.
Total Number of Lost-Time Claims
2011
NS has a 2-day waiting period therefore, the number of lost time
claims listed in this report may not reflect every lost time injury
for this province. The total number of lost-time claims published
in the WCB of Nova Scotia's 2011 annual report is 6,616.
Total Number of Lost-Time Claims
2012
NS has a 2-day waiting period therefore, the number of lost time
claims listed in this report may not reflect every lost time injury
for this province. The total number of lost-time claims published
in the WCB of Nova Scotia's 2012 annual report is 6,341.
Total Number of Lost-Time Claims
2013
NS has a 2-day waiting period therefore, the number of lost time
claims listed in this report may not reflect every lost time injury
for this province. The total number of lost-time claims published
in the WCB of Nova Scotia's 2013 annual report is 6,034.
Total Number of Lost-Time Claims
2014
NS has a 2-day waiting period therefore, the number of lost time
claims listed in this report may not reflect every lost time injury
for this province. The total number of lost-time claims published
in the WCB of Nova Scotia's 2014 annual report is 5,953.
Total Number of Lost-Time Claims
2015
NS has a 2-day waiting period therefore, the number of lost time
claims listed in this report may not reflect every lost time injury
for this province. The total number of lost-time claims published
in the WCB of Nova Scotia's 2015 annual report is 6,014.
Total Number of Lost-Time Claims
2016
NS has a 2-day waiting period therefore, the number of lost time
claims listed in this report may not reflect every lost time injury
for this province. The total number of lost-time claims published
in the WCB of Nova Scotia's 2016 annual report is 5,847. This
annual report figure does not include permanent disability
claims.
Total Number of Lost-Time Claims
2017
NB has a 3 day waiting period therefore, the number of lost time
claims listed in this report may not reflect every lost time injury
for this province. NB accepted 5,550 lost-time claims (including
day of accident) in total in 2017.
Total Number of Lost-Time Claims
2018
NB has a 3 day waiting period therefore, the number of lost time
claims listed in this report may not reflect every lost time injury
for this province. NB accepted 5,862 lost-time claims (including
day of accident) in total in 2018.
Total Number of Lost-Time Claims
2019
NS has a 2 day waiting period therefore, the number of lost time
claims listed in this report may not reflect every lost time injury
for this province. The total number of lost-time claims published
in the WCB of Nova Scotia's 2019 annual report is 5,663. This
annual report figure does not include permanent disability
claims.
2025 Report on Work Fatality and Injury Rates
48
Nova Scotia
Variable
Year
Note
Total Number of Lost-Time Claims
2020
NS has a 2 day waiting period therefore, the number of lost time
claims listed in this report may not reflect every lost time injury
for this province. The total number of lost-time claims published
in the WCB of Nova Scotia's 2020 annual report is 4,977. This
annual report figure does not include permanent disability
claims.
Total Number of Lost-Time Claims
2021
NS has a 2 day waiting period therefore, the number of lost time
claims listed in this report may not reflect every lost time injury
for this province. The total number of lost-time claims published
in the WCB of Nova Scotia's 2021 annual report is 5,391. This
annual report figure does not include permanent disability
claims.
Total Number of Lost-Time Claims
2022
NS has a 2 day waiting period therefore, the number of lost time
claims listed in this report may not reflect every
lost time injury for this province. The total number of lost-time
claims published in the WCB of Nova Scotia's 2022
annual report is 5,420. This annual report figure does not
include permanent disability claims.
Total Number of Lost-Time Claims
2023
NS has a 2 day waiting period therefore, the number of lost time
claims listed in this report may not reflect every lost time injury
for this province. The total number of lost-time claims published
in the WCB of Nova Scotia's 2022 annual report is 5,420. This
annual report figure does not include permanent disability
claims.
Injury Frequency
2010
NS has a 2-day waiting period therefore, the number of lost time
claims listed in this report may not reflect every lost time injury
for this province. The total number of lost-time claims published
in the WCB of Nova Scotia's 2010 annual report is 6,921.
Injury Frequency
2011
NS has a 2-day waiting period therefore, the number of lost time
claims listed in this report may not reflect every lost time injury
for this province. The total number of lost-time claims published
in the WCB of Nova Scotia's 2011 annual report is 6,616.
Injury Frequency
2012
NS has a 2-day waiting period therefore, the number of lost time
claims listed in this report may not reflect every lost time injury
for this province. The total number of lost-time claims published
in the WCB of Nova Scotia's 2012 annual report is 6,341.
Injury Frequency
2013
NS has a 2-day waiting period therefore, the number of lost time
claims listed in this report may not reflect every lost time injury
for this province. The total number of lost-time claims published
in the WCB of Nova Scotia's 2013 annual report is 6,034.
Injury Frequency
2014
NS has a 2-day waiting period therefore, the number of lost time
claims listed in this report may not reflect every lost time injury
for this province. The total number of lost-time claims published
in the WCB of Nova Scotia's 2014 annual report is 5,953.
Injury Frequency
2015
NS has a 2-day waiting period therefore, the number of lost time
claims listed in this report may not reflect every lost time injury
for this province. The total number of lost-time claims published
in the WCB of Nova Scotia's 2015 annual report is 6,014.
2025 Report on Work Fatality and Injury Rates
49
Nova Scotia
Variable
Year
Note
Injury Frequency
2016
NS has a 2-day waiting period therefore, the number of lost time
claims listed in this report may not reflect every lost time injury
for this province. The total number of lost-time claims published
in the WCB of Nova Scotia's 2016 annual report is 5,847. This
annual report figure does not include permanent disability
claims.
Injury Frequency
2017
NS has a 2-day waiting period therefore, the number of lost time
claims listed in this report may not reflect every lost time injury
for this province. The total number of lost-time claims published
in the WCB of Nova Scotia's 2017 annual report is 5,906. This
annual report figure does not include permanent disability
claims.
Injury Frequency
2018
NS has a 2 day waiting period therefore, the number of lost time
claims listed in this report may not reflect every lost time injury
for this province. The total number of lost-time claims published
in the WCB of Nova Scotia's 2018 annual report is 5,819. This
annual report figure does not include permanent disability
claims.
Injury Frequency
2019
NS has a 2 day waiting period therefore, the number of lost time
claims listed in this report may not reflect every lost time injury
for this province. The total number of lost-time claims published
in the WCB of Nova Scotia's 2019 annual report is 5,663. This
annual report figure does not include permanent disability
claims.
Injury Frequency
2020
NS has a 2 day waiting period therefore, the number of lost time
claims listed in this report may not reflect every lost time injury
for this province. The total number of lost-time claims published
in the WCB of Nova Scotia's 2020 annual report is 4,977. This
annual report figure does not include permanent disability
claims.
Injury Frequency
2021
NS has a 2 day waiting period therefore, the number of lost time
claims listed in this report may not reflect every lost time injury
for this province. The total number of lost-time claims published
in the WCB of Nova Scotia's 2021 annual report is 5,391. This
annual report figure does not include permanent disability
claims.
Injury Frequency
2022
NS has a 2 day waiting period therefore, the number of lost time
claims listed in this report may not reflect every
lost time injury for this province. The total number of lost-time
claims published in the WCB of Nova Scotia's 2022
annual report is 5,420. This annual report figure does not
include permanent disability claims.
Injury Frequency
2023
NS has a 2 day waiting period therefore, the number of lost time
claims listed in this report may not reflect every lost time injury
for this province. The total number of lost-time claims published
in the WCB of Nova Scotia's 2022 annual report is 5,420. This
annual report figure does not include permanent disability
claims.
2025 Report on Work Fatality and Injury Rates
50
Northwest Territories/Nunavut
Variable
Year
Note
Injury Frequency
2010
For injury frequency and workforce covered calculations, NT/NU
uses SEPH data, which are 3% to 6% lower than labour force
data. This methodology results in the injury frequency being
overestimated due to the characteristics of the data.
Injury Frequency
2011
For injury frequency and workforce covered calculations, NT/NU
uses SEPH data, which are 3% to 6% lower than labour force
data. This methodology results in the injury frequency being
overestimated due to the characteristics of the data.
Injury Frequency
2012
For injury frequency and workforce covered calculations, NT/NU
uses SEPH data, which are 3% to 6% lower than labour force
data. This methodology results in the injury frequency being
overestimated due to the characteristics of the data.
Injury Frequency
2013
For injury frequency and workforce covered calculations, NT/NU
uses SEPH data, which are 3% to 6% lower than labour force
data. This methodology results in the injury frequency being
overestimated due to the characteristics of the data.
Injury Frequency
2014
For injury frequency and workforce covered calculations, NT/NU
uses SEPH data, which are 3% to 6% lower than labour force
data. This methodology results in the injury frequency being
overestimated due to the characteristics of the data.
Injury Frequency
2015
NT/NU allows self-employed individuals with no assessable
payroll to opt out of personal coverage, should they so choose.
Injury Frequency
2016
For injury frequency and workforce covered calculations, NT/NU
uses SEPH data, which are 3% to 6% lower than labour force
data. This methodology results in the injury frequency being
overestimated due to the characteristics of the data.
Injury Frequency
2017
For injury frequency and workforce covered calculations, NT/NU
uses SEPH data, which are 3% to 6% lower than labour force
data. This methodology results in the injury frequency being
overestimated due to the characteristics of the data.
Injury Frequency
2018
For injury frequency and workforce covered calculations, NT/NU
uses SEPH data, which are 3% to 6% lower than labour force
data. This methodology results in the injury frequency being
overestimated due to the characteristics of the data.
Injury Frequency
2019
For injury frequency and workforce covered calculations, NT/NU
uses SEPH data, which are 3% to 6% lower than labour force
data. This methodology results in the injury frequency being
overestimated due to the characteristics of the data.
Injury Frequency
2020
For injury frequency and workforce covered calculations, NT/NU
uses SEPH data, which are 3% to 6% lower than labour force
data. This methodology results in the injury frequency being
overestimated due to the characteristics of the data.
Injury Frequency
2021
For injury frequency and workforce covered calculations, NT/NU
uses SEPH data, which are 3% to 6% lower than labour force
data. This methodology results in the injury frequency being
overestimated due to the characteristics of the data.
Injury Frequency
2022
For injury frequency and workforce covered calculations, NT/NU
uses SEPH data, which are 3% to 6% lower than labour force
data. This methodology results in the injury frequency being
2025 Report on Work Fatality and Injury Rates
51
Northwest Territories/Nunavut
Variable
Year
Note
overestimated due to the characteristics of the data.
Injury Frequency
2023
For injury frequency and workforce covered calculations, NT/NU
uses SEPH data, which are 3% to 6% lower than labour force
data. This methodology results in the injury frequency being
overestimated due to the characteristics of the data.
Ontario
Variable
Year
Note
Total Lost Time Claims
2020
Reduction in number of claims due to COVID-19.
Number of Fatalities Accepted -
Occupational Disease
2015
Prescribed cancer legislation allowing coverage of
firefighter presumptive occupational disease claims are
included - Cancers in Firefighters and Fire Investigators
Legislation (Policy 23-02-01).
Number of Fatalities Accepted -
Occupational Disease
2017
Prescribed cancer legislation allowing coverage of
firefighter presumptive occupational disease claims are
included - Cancers in Firefighters and Fire Investigators
Legislation (Policy 23-02-01).
Number of Fatalities Accepted -
Occupational Disease
2018
Prescribed cancer legislation allowing coverage of
firefighter presumptive occupational disease claims are
included - Cancers in Firefighters and Fire Investigators
Legislation (Policy 23-02-01).
Number of Fatalities Accepted -
Occupational Disease
2019
Prescribed cancer legislation allowing coverage of
firefighter presumptive occupational disease claims are
included - Cancers in Firefighters and Fire Investigators
Legislation (Policy 23-02-01).
Number of Fatalities Accepted -
Occupational Disease
2020
Prescribed cancer legislation allowing coverage of
firefighter presumptive occupational disease claims are
included - Cancers in Firefighters and Fire Investigators
Legislation (Policy 23-02-01).
Number of Fatalities Accepted -
Occupational Disease
2021
Prescribed cancer legislation allowing coverage of
firefighter presumptive occupational disease claims are
included - Cancers in Firefighters and Fire Investigators
Legislation (Policy 23-02-01).
Number of Fatalities Accepted -
Occupational Disease
2022
Prescribed cancer legislation allowing coverage of
firefighter presumptive occupational disease claims are
included - Cancers in Firefighters and Fire Investigators
Legislation (Policy 23-02-01).
Number of Fatalities Accepted -
Occupational Disease
2023
Prescribed cancer legislation allowing coverage of
firefighter presumptive occupational disease claims are
included - Cancers in Firefighters and Fire Investigators
Legislation (Policy 23-02-01).
2025 Report on Work Fatality and Injury Rates
52
Ontario
Variable
Year
Note
Number of Fatalities Accepted -
Injury
2012
This KSM will not match By the Numbers (BTN) as the
traumatic fatality count in BTN is by year of death, whereas
this KSM represents traumatic fatalities by year accepted,
regardless of year of death.
Number of Fatalities Accepted -
Injury
2013
This KSM will not match By the Numbers (BTN) as the
traumatic fatality count in BTN is by year of death, whereas
this KSM represents traumatic fatalities by year accepted,
regardless of year of death.
Number of Fatalities Accepted -
Injury
2014
This KSM will not match By the Numbers (BTN) as the
traumatic fatality count in BTN is by year of death, whereas
this KSM represents traumatic fatalities by year accepted,
regardless of year of death.
Number of Fatalities Accepted -
Injury
2015
This KSM will not match By the Numbers (BTN) as the
traumatic fatality count in BTN is by year of death, whereas
this KSM represents traumatic fatalities by year accepted,
regardless of year of death.
Number of Fatalities Accepted -
Injury
2017
This KSM will not match By the Numbers (BTN) as the
traumatic fatality count in BTN is by year of death, whereas
this KSM represents traumatic fatalities by year accepted,
regardless of year of death.
Number of Fatalities Accepted -
Injury
2018
This KSM will not match By the Numbers (BTN) as the
traumatic fatality count in BTN is by year of death, whereas
this KSM represents traumatic fatalities by year accepted,
regardless of year of death.
Number of Fatalities Accepted -
Injury
2019
This KSM will not match By the Numbers (BTN) as the
traumatic fatality count in BTN is by year of death, whereas
this KSM represents traumatic fatalities by year accepted,
regardless of year of death.
Number of Fatalities Accepted -
Injury
2020
This KSM will not match By the Numbers (BTN) as the
traumatic fatality count in BTN is by year of death, whereas
this KSM represents traumatic fatalities by year accepted,
regardless of year of death.
Number of Fatalities Accepted -
Injury
2021
This KSM will not match By the Numbers (BTN) as the
traumatic fatality count in BTN is by year of death, whereas
this KSM represents traumatic fatalities by year accepted,
regardless of year of death.
Number of Fatalities Accepted -
Injury
2022
This KSM will not match By the Numbers (BTN) as the
traumatic fatality count in BTN is by year of death, whereas
this KSM represents traumatic fatalities by year accepted,
regardless of year of death.
Number of Fatalities Accepted -
Injury
2023
This KSM will not match By the Numbers (BTN) as the
traumatic fatality count in BTN is by year of death, whereas
this KSM represents traumatic fatalities by year accepted,
regardless of year of death.
Injury Frequency
2010
Ontario Board is no longer publishing harmonized LTI rate.
Injury Frequency
2011
Ontario Board is no longer publishing harmonized LTI rate.
Injury Frequency
2017
As requested from AWCBC starting in 2017 this KSM
includes both assessable and self-insured employers.
2025 Report on Work Fatality and Injury Rates
53
Ontario
Variable
Year
Note
Injury Frequency
2018
As requested from AWCBC starting in 2017 this KSM
includes both assessable and self-insured employers.
Injury Frequency
2019
As requested from AWCBC starting in 2017 this KSM
includes both assessable and self-insured employers.
Injury Frequency
2020
As requested from AWCBC starting in 2017 this KSM
includes both assessable and self-insured employers.
Injury Frequency
2021
As requested from AWCBC starting in 2017 this KSM
includes both assessable and self-insured employers.
Injury Frequency
2022
As requested from AWCBC starting in 2017 this KSM
includes both assessable and self-insured employers.
Injury Frequency
2023
As requested from AWCBC starting in 2017 this KSM
includes both assessable and self-insured employers.
Percentage of Workforce
Covered
2011
2011 Labour Force Survey (LFS) estimates are based on
2006 Census population estimates, whereas prior years
were based on 2001 Census population estimates.
Percentage of Workforce
Covered
2012
2012 and 2011 Labour Force Survey (LFS) estimates are
based on 2006 Census population estimates, whereas prior
years were based on 2001 Census population estimates.
Percentage of Workforce
Covered
2013
2013 Labour Force Survey (LFS) estimates are based on
2006 Census population estimates, whereas years prior to
2011 were based on 2001 Census population estimates.
Percentage of Workforce
Covered
2014
2014 Labour Force Survey (LFS) estimates are based on
2006 Census population estimates, whereas years prior to
2011 were based on 2001 Census population estimates.
Percentage of Workforce
Covered
2015
2014 Labour Force Survey (LFS) estimates are based on
2006 Census population estimates, whereas years prior to
2011 were based on 2001 Census population estimates.
Prince Edward Island
Variable
Year
Note
Total Number of Loss-Time
Claims
2010
As of April 1, 2002, PEI has a waiting period equivalent to
60% of weekly compensation being required before
compensation is payable; therefore, the number of lost time
claims listed in this report may not reflect every lost time
injury for PEI as of March 31 of the following year.
Total Number of Loss-Time
Claims
2011
As of April 1, 2002, PEI has a waiting period equivalent to
60% of weekly compensation being required before
compensation is payable; therefore, the number of lost time
claims listed in this report may not reflect every lost time
injury for PEI as of March 31 of the following year.
2025 Report on Work Fatality and Injury Rates
54
Prince Edward Island
Variable
Year
Note
Total Number of Loss-Time
Claims
2012
As of April 1, 2002, PEI has a waiting period equivalent to
60% of weekly compensation being required before
compensation is payable; therefore, the number of lost time
claims listed in this report may not reflect every lost time
injury for PEI as of March 31 of the following year.
Total Number of Loss-Time
Claims
2013
As of April 1, 2002, PEI has a waiting period equivalent to
60% of weekly compensation being required before
compensation is payable; therefore, the number of lost time
claims listed in this report may not reflect every lost time
injury for PEI as of March 31 of the following year.
Total Number of Loss-Time
Claims
2014
As of January 1, 2014, PEI has a waiting period equivalent
to 40% of weekly compensation being required before
compensation is payable; therefore, the number of lost time
claims listed in this report may not reflect every lost time
injury for PEI as of March 31 of the following year.
Total Number of Loss-Time
Claims
2015
Data has not yet been published. It is currently in a pre-
approval state.
Number of Fatalities Accepted -
Occupational Disease
2015
Data has not yet been published. It is currently in a pre-
approval state.
Injury Frequency
2010
As of April 1, 2002, PEI has a waiting period equivalent to
60% of weekly compensation being required before
compensation is payable; therefore, the number of lost time
claims listed in this report may not reflect every lost time
injury for PEI as of March 31 of the following year.
Injury Frequency
2011
As of April 1, 2002, PEI has a waiting period equivalent to
60% of weekly compensation being required before
compensation is payable; therefore, the number of lost time
claims listed in this report may not reflect every lost time
injury for PEI as of March 31 of the following year.
Injury Frequency
2012
As of April 1, 2002, PEI has a waiting period equivalent to
60% of weekly compensation being required before
compensation is payable; therefore, the number of lost time
claims listed in this report may not reflect every lost time
injury for PEI as of March 31 of the following year.
Injury Frequency
2013
As of April 1, 2002, PEI has a waiting period equivalent to
60% of weekly compensation being required before
compensation is payable; therefore, the number of lost time
claims listed in this report may not reflect every lost time
injury for PEI as of March 31 of the following year.
Injury Frequency
2014
As of January 1, 2014, PEI has a waiting period equivalent
to 40% of weekly compensation being required before
compensation is payable; therefore, the number of lost time
claims listed in this report may not reflect every lost time
injury for PEI as of March 31 of the following year.
2025 Report on Work Fatality and Injury Rates
55
Prince Edward Island
Variable
Year
Note
Injury Frequency
2015
As of January 1, 2014, PEI has a waiting period equivalent
to 40% of weekly compensation being required before
compensation is payable; therefore, the number of lost time
claims listed in this report may not reflect every lost time
injury for PEI as of March 31 of the following year.
Percentage of Workforce
Covered
2010
The province of PEI became assessed and as such costs
and revenues are now included. Liabilities of the province
for past claims have been assumed by the WCB of PEI.
Percentage of Workforce
Covered
2011
The province of PEI became assessed and as such costs
and revenues are now included. Liabilities of the province
for past claims have been assumed by the WCB of PEI.
Percentage of Workforce
Covered
2012
The province of PEI became assessed and as such costs
and revenues are now included. Liabilities of the province
for past claims have been assumed by the WCB of PEI.
Percentage of Workforce
Covered
2013
The province of PEI became assessed and as such costs
and revenues are now included. Liabilities of the province
for past claims have been assumed by the WCB of PEI.
Percentage of Workforce
Covered
2014
The province of PEI became assessed and as such costs
and revenues are now included. Liabilities of the province
for past claims have been assumed by the WCB of PEI.
Percentage of Workforce
Covered
2015
The province of PEI became assessed and as such costs
and revenues are now included. Liabilities of the province
for past claims have been assumed by the WCB of PEI.
Yukon
Variable
Year
Note
Number of Fatalities
Accepted - Injury
2015
No note
Lost Time Injury Frequency
2017
For injury frequency and workforce covered calculations,
NT/NU uses SEPH data, which are 3% to 6% lower than
labour force data. This methodology results in the injury
frequency being overestimated due to the characteristics
of the data.
Total Lost Time Claims
2018
Preliminary.
