Health & Safety for the Healthcare Industry
The healthcare sector is largest sector in Canada. Employing over 2.4 million workers, it records the highest number of lost-time injury claims.
The majority stem from:
- Contact with chemical hazards
- Exposure to biological hazards
- Ergonomic injuries
Top five most common healthcare industry hazards
Chemical hazards
Using hazardous chemicals and pharmaceutical products in healthcare settings poses serious risks to workers who may come in contact with them.
Psychosocial hazards
Healthcare workers face higher risks of stress, burnout, violence, and harassment than those in other industries.
Ergonomic hazards
Workers can face musculoskeletal injuries from patient handling, repetitive stress, and being on their feet for prolonged periods.
Slips, trips, and falls
Common in healthcare facilities due to wet floors, cluttered walkways, or uneven surfaces.
Biological hazards
Exposure to infectious diseases and pathogens can cause illnesses and death.
Healthcare accident statistics
Burnout and sick leave
Sick leave among healthcare workers surged by 17 percent in 2022, leading to a 50 percent increase in overtime hours.
Healthcare is getting riskier
According to WSIB, the Healthcare industry shows a 5.2 percent negative trend on the safety index, a reflection of the increased volume of workplace injuries and mental health issues.
125,000+ claims
There were over 127,000 accepted claims with lost worktime in 2022, with 17 fatalities.
Discover our Health & Safety solutions today
Be proactive—prevent workplace injuries!
Proactive safety starts with the hierarchy of controls. If hazards can’t be eliminated, engineering controls are the first level of protection. If those aren’t practical, utilize administrative controls like training, SOPs, and incident reporting. Finally, while PPE is essential, it provides the lowest level of protection, and should be used alongside other higher-level controls.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Personal protective equipment (PPE) like masks, gloves, gowns, and face shields creates barriers between workers and infectious agents.
Proper handling training
Handling chemicals like disinfectants and drugs requires strict protocols and training. This includes proper labelling, using PPE, and following disposal guidelines.
Ergonomic assessments & training
Training employees on ergonomic safety, including using hoists, promoting good posture, and teaching proper lifting techniques, helps reduce strain and fatigue.
Mental Health Support
Providing mental health resources like counselling services and stress management programs helps address the impacts that working in a high-stress environment has on workers.
Connect with one of our health and safety experts today
With innovative technology, expert guidance, immersive online training, incident reporting tools, and risk assessment software, our award-winning Health & Safety software and support help construction companies across Canada build stronger, more effective safety programs.
