Sask. workplace injuries up slightly in 2021: workers' compensation board

The Saskatchewan Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) reported a slight increase to the provincial injury rate in 2021, according to its annual report.
The injury rate for 2020 was 2.56 per 100 workers; while 2021 saw it increase to 4.56 per 100 workers, according to a release by the Saskatchewan WCB.
“While our injury rates saw a slight increase in 2021, our total injury rate has decreased over the past decade thanks to the safety efforts of workers, employers, partners and leaders across the province,” WCB chairperson Gord Dobrowolsky said in the release.
Despite the injury rate increase, workplace incidents resulting in death fell to 31 in 2021, as opposed to 34 in 2020.
“Every one of those deaths has had a devastating impact on the loved one’s family and their community,” said Dobrowolsky.
“It is imperative for us all to keep focusing on preventing workplace deaths and serious injuries to eliminate this suffering in Saskatchewan.”
The WCB noted in the release that from 2009 to 2021, the total injury rate for the province has decreased by 51.1 per cent.
“For more than a decade, we have seen employers, workers and safety leaders in our province band together to address safety in our workplaces,” said Don Morgan, Minister Responsible for the WCB.
“As we remain focused on keeping all workers safe, we will continue to see our province’s injury rate decline.”
WorkSafe Saskatchewan, the partnership between the WCB and the Ministry of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety, has extended its three year strategy (2019-2021) into the next five years.
The organization will be reaching out to stakeholders in order to develop the next iteration of the strategy.
“By working together on these initiatives,” said Dobrowolsky. “We can all contribute by bringing our injury rates and fatalities down and keeping all workers safe on the job.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW | Russia's invasion of Ukraine a 'turning point' in world history: defence chief
Canada's chief of defence says Russia's invasion of Ukraine is going to change the course of history.

Climate goals may be at odds with G7 response to fallout from Russian invasion
G7 leaders opened their summit Sunday with a discussion about shaping the global economy at a time when conflict and unrest are driving up prices and access to key goods around the world.
Russia strikes Kyiv as troops consolidate gains in the east
Russia attacked the Ukrainian capital early Sunday, striking at least two residential buildings, the mayor of Kyiv said, as elsewhere Russian troops fought to consolidate their gains in the country's east.
NEW | Rate of extreme rainfall expected to increase dramatically by 2100
New research looking at the frequency of heavy rainfall across the globe shows that a drastic increase in downpours is expected over the years to come.
Protesters at U.S. Supreme Court decry abortion ruling overturning Roe v. Wade
Hundreds of protesters descended on the U.S. Supreme Court on Saturday to denounce the justice's decision to overturn the half-century-old Roe v. Wade precedent that recognized women's constitutional right to abortion.
People with COVID-19 can infect and sicken cats and dogs by cuddling them: study
Cat and dog owners who cuddle their pets when infected with COVID-19 could end up making the animals sick with the virus, according to a Canadian study.
Quebec homeowners say Ottawa must address decades of erosion caused by ship traffic
The higher parts of Angelique Beauchemin's land, she said, are sinking an inch or two a year as they slope ever more steeply toward the river. While she's not a scientist, she says her biggest fear is that one day there will be a landslide and the white house at the top of the hill where she's lived for decades will tumble down.
Live updates: Germany's leader commends unity on Ukraine
The latest on the G7 summit: German Chancellor Olaf Scholz says attacks by Russia on residential buildings in Kyiv show the importance of international unity in supporting Ukraine.
Public safety minister eyes steps to strengthen oversight of the RCMP
The federal public safety minister says he is 'deeply committed' to enhancing oversight of the RCMP by strengthening the role of the national police force's management advisory board.