Far from the goal of Mission Zero, there was a rise in workplace fatalities in Saskatchewan during the first 8 months of the year compared to the same time period last year.
From January through August of last year, there were 27 workplace fatalities and this year, the Workers’ Compensation Board is reporting 37.
Last year’s total was the lowest in 15 years.
Saskatchewan WCB spokesperson Phil Germain says all workplace deaths are preventable.
All organizations, no matter the size should be investing in their own safety programs and making safety a key part of their work environment.
The leading causes of workplace fatalities so far this year are occupational disease through exposure and vehicle-related accidents.
Occupational disease fatalities are often diagnosed years after a workplace exposure and account for almost 39 per cent of the fatalities so far this year.
The WCB expects this trend will continue with workers exposed to asbestos.