Saskatchewan holds the sad distinction of having the second highest workplace
injury rate in Canada. The province's rate peaked at 4.95 per cent - a twenty
year high - in 2002.
Through the dedicated efforts of Saskatchewan employers, workers, safety
associations, industry groups, unions, and the WCB, the rate has dropped
more than 23 per cent since then, ending the 2007 year at 3.80 per cent. Still,
the WCB received more than 40,000 reports of workplace injury in 2007. And
the total number of reported injuries is trending upwards.
The WCB views this as unacceptable and intolerable, and in response
has renewed its strategic focus to quickly move towards making Saskatchewan
workplaces the safest in Canada by eliminating work injuries and illnesses.
Under the banner of Mission: Zero, the WCB will use its existing injury
prevention partnership with Advanced Education, Employment and Labour and
create new opportunities to move the province to zero work injuries.
Media release: WCB launches Mission: Zero advertising campaign
Background Video: An injured worker and safety training officer provide their insight into workplace safety and WCB Chairperson David Eberle explains the rationale behind the Mission: Zero initiative.
