December 4, 2007
Dozens injured at work every year in snow and ice-related incidents
HALIFAX, December 4, 2007 - Nova Scotia’s first significant snowfall of the season brings a timely reminder of the importance of working safely in the winter months.
The WCB of Nova Scotia and its safety partners are reminding workers and employers across the province to take extra care, while stressing the importance of safe work practices in avoiding workplace injury.
“We encourage Nova Scotia workers and employers to take extra precautions and work safely this winter – and the whole year through,” says WCB Director of Prevention Services, MJ MacDonald.
In 2006, nearly 90 Nova Scotians were injured in WCB-reported workplace incidents involving snow, ice or other winter conditions.
Eighteen of those injuries were related to snow and ice removal, such as back strain from shoveling snow.
“Heavy, wet snow is particularly likely to lead to overexertion – the most common single cause of injuries reported to the WCB,” MacDonald says.
Some 36 workers were injured in slips and falls due to icy conditions. In rarer cases, chunks of ice fell on workers, causing head injuries.
Weather and road conditions also contributed to a number of work-related injuries on the province’s highways. WCB statistics show 34 Nova Scotians were injured on the job in incidents involving motor vehicles, where weather or road conditions were noted as a factor. Ten of those incidents stemmed from black ice.
“Safety is of paramount importance all year, but it’s particularly critical to exercise caution on our roads during the winter months,” says Linda Corkum, Executive Director of the Nova Scotia Trucking Safety Association. “Truckers, and all drivers, should ensure good treads on tires. Footwear is also important as loading docks and truck bays can be icy. Removal of ice and snow from windshields and roofs of vehicles is critical – in addition to obvious visibility concerns, ice and snow blowing off large vehicles can be dangerous.”
WCB statistics include only those firms with WCB coverage. MacDonald adds it’s likely there were many other winter-related injuries at workplaces not covered by the WCB. And while weather and seasonal trends heighten awareness, she stresses that workplace safety is important year round.
“Injury takes far too great a human and financial toll in this province,” says MacDonald. “At this time of year, and always, it’s important to remember the incredible value work has, and to do what we can as employers and workers to ensure everyone comes home safe at the end of the day.”
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Background: WCB
The Workers’ Compensation Board of Nova Scotia (WCB) is committed to keeping Nova Scotians safe and secure from workplace injury. The WCB provides workplace injury insurance for more than 18,000 employers, representing about 300,000 workers across the province. The WCB sets the standard for workplace injury insurance by informing and inspiring Nova Scotians in the prevention of workplace injury. If an injury occurs, we support those whose lives it touches by championing a timely return to safe and healthy work.
Background: NS Trucking Safety Association
The Nova Scotia Trucking Safety Association has several objectives: To professionalize the image of the trucking sector through setting appropriate standards for safety and auditing them, to provide Employers and Employees with necessary information to comply with Federal and Provincial Legislation regarding Occupational Health & Safety, to reduce accidents and provide a safe workplace, to reduce operating costs through sound maintenance and operating procedures for a safe workplace, to create a more highly skilled and qualified workforce, and to reduce workers' compensation rates.
For more information please contact:
Steve MacDonald
Manager, Marketing and Communications
Workers' Compensation Board
5668 South Street
Halifax, NS
Tel: 902-491-8105 Cell: 902-223-2480
steve.macdonald@wcb.gov.ns.ca
http://worksafeforlife.ca
Linda Corkum
Executive Director, NSTSA
PO Box 243
325 Main Street, Ste 703
Kentville, NS
Tel: 888-329-9660
lcorkum.nstsa@ns.sympatico.ca
http://nstsa.ca
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Season’s first heavy snowfall brings focus on winter safety
Dec. 4, 2007
Injuries received by the WCB related to snow, ice, or winter weather
Based on 2006 Registered Claims
18 Injuries relating to snow and ice removal
36 Slips and falls due to icy or snow-covered surfaces
34 Injuries on Nova Scotia highways due to snow, ice, or other winter conditions
*Note: List may not include all injuries where winter weather was a factor, as injury descriptions may not necessarily include this descriptor when claim is submitted to the WCB.
SELECTED ACTUAL INJURY DESCRIPTIONS
OVEREXERTION IN LIFTING SNOW PLOW
SLIPPED ON ICE, TWISTED KNEE WHEN FALLING
WORKER WAS SHOVELING WET SNOW AT WORK
ICE SLID OFF ROOF AND FELL ON TOP OF WORKER
HIT BLACK ICE, SLID ACROSS ROAD, HIT SHOULDER - VAN ROLLED SEVERAL TIMES DOWN 35 FT EMBANKMEN
DURING SNOW STORM LOST CONTROL CROSSED INTO THE PATH OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC
SNOWSTORM - ICY ROADS, WENT OFF THE ROAD