Moving the needle on preventing workplace fatalities and critical incidents in Ontario through data linkage

Reasons for the study

Despite their massive impacts, limited progress has been made on reducing workplace traumatic fatalities and critical incidents in Ontario. Research has demonstrated that workplace factors may be as, or more, important than individual factors in determining risk of fatalities and severe injuries. While a better understanding of workplace factors offers the potential for more accurate risk prediction, the amount and nature of the data within workers’ compensation systems specific to the workplace is limited. However, this information – specifically around workforce composition, workforce turnover, and the overall economic health of the organization – could be gathered if compensation data was linked with sources, such as business taxation information.

Further, while environmental factors, such as ambient heat, may be potentially important factors in injury risk, they have not been extensively examined in relation to fatalities and critical incidents. This project will address these information gaps to provide a better understanding of the workplace and environmental factors associated with traumatic fatalities and critical incidents, which can be used for more targeted prevention activities, and better guidance to workplaces.

Objectives of the study

Target audience

Stakeholders at the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board and other partners within the Ontario prevention system