WorkSafe BC says winter weather causes spike in workplace injuries

With the weather turning snowy, wet, and slippery, WorkSafe BC is reminding employers about their responsibility to protect workers from weather related work hazards.

Workers from a range of industries have could be impacted by slippery or wet sidewalks, hazardous road conditions and cold stress.

Between 2017 and 2021, WCB accepted nearly 100 claims of cold stress related injuries.

WCB also notes an 11 percent increase in injuries like sprains fractures and dislocations caused by slips and falls between November and March.

Senior Manager of Prevention Field Services at WCB Barry Nakahara says that anticipating the risks is key and ensuring measures are in place to manage those risks.

WorkSafeBC has the following resources available to assist employers and workers stay safe this winter:

 Cold Stress: https://www.worksafebc.com/en/health-safety/hazards-exposures/cold-stress

Winter Driving: https://www.worksafebc.com/en/health-safety/hazards-exposures/driving-work/types/winter-driving

Shift into Winter: https://roadsafetyatwork.ca/campaign/shift-into-winter/

Slips, Trips, and Falls: https://www.worksafebc.com/en/health-safety/hazards-exposures/slips-trips-falls