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I feel extremely lucky to live in Canada.
Many who live here might complain about various things: east vs west, left vs right, health care isn’t perfect, etcetera. But, when all is said and done, this is one of the best countries in the world to live.
In workplace health & safety, we are amongst the leaders. We are highly regulated, especially in the higher-risk industries, but, most importantly, I believe that people here want to do the right thing. I can say with certainty that not one person would want to be responsible for, either directly or indirectly, a workplace fatality.
And yet, they are still happening.
…in 2019, 925 workplace fatalities were recorded in Canada.
Association of Workers’ Compensation Boards of Canada (AWCBC)
Despite all good intentions (which, as my mom has always said, pave the road to hell), the fatality rates in Canada are not decreasing. In fact, they actually increased in 2018. We have yet to see verified data for 2020, but after looking at preliminary data, suffice it to say that the numbers have not improved.
I’m not here to offer a silver bullet, but simply to raise awareness that we need to keep searching for solutions. I know I’m preaching to the choir, but we need to stay vigilant.
My heart goes out to all those who have lost a loved one or a coworker to a workplace accident. Please know that there are many of us who truly care, and are doing everything we can to prevent it from happening to anyone else.
Today, on this national Day or Mourning, our thoughts are with you.
