Media Release
Yellowknife, NT (January 29, 2016) – Today, the Workers’ Safety and Compensation Commission (WSCC) release a Hazard Alert, advising Northerners to exercise caution and use safe work practices to prevent slips, trips, and falls.
Within a one week period, two workers at different locations in Iqaluit, Nunavut slipped and fell on icy surfaces. Both suffered serious bone fractures requiring surgery.
Slips, trips, and falls remain a major cause of injury in the workplace:
In 2015, 1 in 5 WSCC claims were due to a slip, trip, or fall (20.7%).
On average, the WSCC receives 1.92 slip, trip, and fall claims per day.
Over the last 5 years, the average slip, trip, and fall claim cost $5,785.95.
The WSCC paid out approximately $4,866,870 to 798 slip, trip, and fall claims in 2015.
The WSCC cautions Northerners to always pay attention to their surroundings, wear proper footwear, conduct hazard assessments to ensure their work spaces are free of hazards, and implement controls to prevent incidents.
Slips, trips, and falls are preventable. Employers and workers share the responsibility of ensuring their workplace remains a safe environment for all. For more information, refer to the attached Hazard Alert.
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Kim Walker
Manager, Communications
T: (867) 920-3846
TF: (800) 661-0792 ext. 3846