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Statistics for Young Workers
General Statistics
Injury Rate Comparison 2004 - 2008
| Year | Males 15-24 | Females 15-24 | Ages 15-24 | Overall injury rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 5.2 | 1.7 | 3.5 | 3.1 |
| 2005 | 5.1 | 1.7 | 3.4 | 3.1 |
| 2006 | 5.3 | 1.7 | 3.5 | 3.1 |
| 2007 | 5.0 | 1.9 | 3.5 | 3.1 |
| 2008 | 4.7 | 1.8 | 3.2 | 3.0 |
Data Source: WorkSafeBC Statistical Services
See Terms of Reference for definitions of terms used.
Young Worker Employment 2004-2008
| Year | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Employment | 307,800 | 332,100 | 349,600 | 362,600 | 363,100 |
Data Source: WorkSafeBC Statistical Services
See Terms of Reference for definitions of terms used.
Young Worker Claims 2004-2008
| Year | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Claims | 9,482 | 10,278 | 10,879 | 11,376 | 10,562 |
Data Source: WorkSafeBC Statistical Services
See Terms of Reference for definitions of terms used.
Young Worker Claims by Industry 2004-2008
| Industry | STD/LTD/Fatal Claims |
|---|---|
| Service Sector | 29% |
| Retail and Wholesale | 21% |
| Construction | 20% |
| Manufacturing | 19% |
| Transportation and Warehousing | 5% |
| Primary Resources | 4% |
| Public Sector | 2% |
Data Source: WorkSafeBC Statistical Services
The top seven dangers to young workers.
See Terms of Reference for definitions of terms used.
Total Young Worker Serious Injuries 2004-2008
| Year | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Serious Injuries | 1,972 | 2,169 | 2,274 | 2,373 | 2,218 |
Data Source: WorkSafeBC Statistical Services
The top seven dangers to young workers.
See Terms of Reference for definitions of terms used.
Total Young Worker Serious Injuries by Industry 2004-2008
| Industry | Number of Serious Injuries |
|---|---|
| Service Sector | 25% |
| Construction | 23% |
| Retail and Wholesale | 20% |
| Manufacturing | 18% |
| Transportation and Warehousing | 7% |
| Primary Resources | 6% |
| Public Sector | 1% |
Data Source: WorkSafeBC Statistical Services
The top seven dangers to young workers.
See Terms of Reference for definitions of terms used.
Claims Overview by Industry
Manufacturing | Retail | Construction | Hospitality | Transportation | Forestry | Agriculture
Manufacturing Claims Overview (2004-2008)
Total number of claims 2004-2008 = 9,813
Struck by object accidents
(Total number of claims = 2,798)
From 2004-2008, 29 percent of all time-loss claims to young workers in the manufacturing industry involved being struck by objects such as
- wood, lumber
- cutting handtools
- fasteners
- structural metal materials
- striking and nailing handtools
The most common injury outcomes from being struck by objects are
- cuts, lacerations
- bruises, contusions
- sprains, strains, tears
- punctures
- fractures
Young people employed as wood and sawmill workers, metal product workers and welders experience the most struck by object accidents.
Overexertion accidents
(Total number of claims = 2,334)
Overexertion accidents accounted for 24 percent of all time-loss claims to young workers in the manufacturing industry from 2004 to 2008.
The typical overexertion accident is related to moving or lifting such objects as wood, lumber, boxes, crates, cartons, structural and building materials.
Overexertion accidents most often result in sprains, strains, tears.
Young workers employed as wood and sawmill workers experienced the most overexertion accidents.
Caught in machinery and material accidents
(Total number of claims = 1,062)
From 2004-2008, 11 percent of all time-loss claims to young workers in the manufacturing industry were related to being caught in machinery and materials.
Getting caught in machinery and materials results in such injuries as
- cuts, lacerations
- fractures
- bruises, contusions
Young workers employed as sawmill and wood workers experienced the most caught in accidents.
Data Source: WorkSafeBC Statistical Services
Retail Claims Overview (2004-2008)
Total number of claims 2004-2008 = 9,446
Overexertion Accidents
(Total number of claims = 3,246)
From 2004-2008, 34 percent of all time-loss claims to young workers in the retail industry were overexertion accidents.
The typical overexertion accident in the retail industry is related to moving or lifting
- boxers, crates, cartons
- bags, sacks, totes
- skids, pallets
Overexertion accidents most often result in sprains, strains, and tears. Young workers in the following occupations had the most overexertion accidents:
- grocery clerks
- sales clerks
- warehouse workers
Struck by object accidents
(Total number of claims = 2,199)
From 2004-2008, 23 percent of all time-loss claims to young workers in the retail industry involved being struck by such things as
- cutting hand tools
- boxes, crates, cartons
- skids, pallets
- falling cart, dolly, handtruck
Injuries such as cuts, lacerations, bruises, contusions, sprains, strains, and tears are the most common outcome of struck by accidents.
Grocery clerks, sales clerks, and warehouse workers had the most accidents involving being struck by an object.
Striking against object accidents
(Total number of claims = 920)
From 2004-2008, 10 percent of all young worker time-loss claims in the retail industry involved workers striking against an object such as
- food and beverage processing machinery
- sawing machinery
- shelving
Injuries such as cuts, lacerations, bruises, contusions, sprains, strains, and tears are the most common outcomes of striking against objects.
The occupations experiencing the highest numbers of these types of accidents are
- deli sales clerks
- sales clerks
- grocery clerks
Data Source: WorkSafeBC Statistical Services
Construction Claims Overview (2004-2008)
Total number of claims 2004-2008 = 10,585
Struck by object accidents
(Total number of claims = 3,116)
From 2004-2008, 29 percent of all time-loss claims to young workers in the construction industry involved being struck by objects such as
- fasteners
- cutting handtools
- wood, lumber
- striking and nailing handtools
The most common injury outcomes from being struck by objects are
- cuts, lacerations
- bruises, contusions
- punctures
- fractures
Young people employed as construction helpers and labourers, carpenter, carpenter helpers and apprentices experience the most struck by object accidents.
Overexertion accidents
(Total number of claims = 2,070)
Overexertion accidents accounted for 20 percent of all time-loss claims to young workers in the construction industry from 2004 to 2008. The typical overexertion accident is related to moving or lifting such objects as
- wood, lumber
- structural metal materials
- digging handtools
- boxes, crates, cartons
Overexertion accidents most often result in
- sprains, strains, tears
- traumatic inflammation of muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints
- dislocations
Young workers employed as construction helpers and labourers experienced the most overexertion accidents.
Fall from elevation accidents
(Total number of claims = 1,706)
From 2004-2008, 16 percent of all time-loss claims to young workers in the construction industry were falls from elevations such as
- ladders
- scaffolds
- staging platforms
- roofs
- stairs
- vehicles
Falls from elevations result in such injuries as
- sprains, strains, tears
- fractures
- bruises, contusions
Young workers employed as construction helpers and labourers experienced the most fall from elevation accidents.
Data Source: WorkSafeBC Statistical Services
Hospitality Claims Overview (2004-2008)
Total number of claims 2004-2008 = 8,855
Struck by object accidents
(Total number of claims = 2,413)
From 2004-2008, 27 percent of all time-loss claims to young workers in the hospitality (accommodation and food service) industry involved being struck by things such as
- cutting handtools
- doors
- boxes, crates, cartons
- drinking cups, beverage glasses
The most common injury outcomes from being struck by objects are
- cuts, lacerations
- bruises, contusions
- sprains, strains, tears
- avulsions
Young workers employed as cooks, grillers, kitchen/service helpers experience the most struck by object accidents.
Fall on same level accidents
(Total number of claims, 2004-2008 = 1,431)
Fall on same level accidents accounted for 16 percent of all time-loss claims to young workers in the hospitality industry from 2004 to 2008.
The typical fall on same level accidents involve falls on
- floors, walkways, ground
- counters
Falls on floors, ground accounted for about 77% of these accidents.
Falls on the same level accidents result in
- sprains, strains, tears
- bruises, contusions
- fractures
- cuts, lacerations
The occupations most at risk for fall on same level are
- food preparers
- food and beverage servers
- kitchen/service helpers
Exposure to Heat, Cold
(Total number of claims, 2004-2008 = 1,388)
From 2004-2008, 16 percent of all time-loss claims to young workers in the hospitality industry involved being exposed to heat or cold such as
- fresh of processed food products
- liquids
- beverages
- heating and cooking machinery and appliances
- pots, pans and trays
Exposure to heat, cold accidents result in heat burns, scalds.
The occupations most at risk for exposure to heat, cold were cooks, food preparers, kitchen/service helpers and food/beverage servers.
Data Source: WorkSafeBC Statistical Services
Transportation Claims Overview (2004-2008)
Total number of claims 2004-2008 = 2,450
Overexertion Accidents
(Total number of claims = 779)
Overexertion accidents accounted for 32 percent of all time-loss claims to young workers in the transportation industry from 2004 to 2008.
The typical overexertion accident is related to moving or lifting such objects as
- boxes, crates, cartons
- bags, sacks totes
- luggage, handbags
Overexertion accidents most often result in sprains, strains, and tears.
Young workers employed as warehousemen, airport/aircraft attendants, order pickers, and truck delivery helpers experienced the most overexertion accidents.
Struck by object accidents
(Total number of claims = 482)
From 2004-2008, 20 percent of all time-loss claims to young workers in the transportation industry involved being struck by objects such as
- boxes, crates, cartons
- trucks
- structural metal materials
The most common injury outcomes from being struck by objects are
- bruises, contusions
- sprains, strains, tears
- cuts, lacerations
- fractures
Young people employed as warehousemen, warehouse helpers, truck delivery helpers, and airport/aircraft attendants experience the most struck by object accidents.
Fall from elevation accidents
(Total number of claims = 233)
From 2004-2008, 10 percent of all time-loss claims to young workers in the transportation industry were
- falls from nonmoving vehicles
- falls to lower levels
- falls down stairs or steps
Fall from elevation accidents result in such injuries as
- sprains, strains, tears
- bruises, contusions
- fractures
Young workers employed as truck drivers, truck delivery helpers, and warehousemen experienced the most fall from elevation accidents.
Data Source: WorkSafeBC Statistical Services
Forestry Claims Overview (2004-2008)
Total number of claims 2004-2008 = 783
Struck by object accidents
(Total number of claims = 165)
From 2004-2008, 21 percent of all time-loss claims to young workers in the forestry industry involved being struck by objects such as
- falling/rolling trees or logs
- cutting handtools
The most common injury outcomes from being struck by objects are cuts, lacerations, bruises, contusions, and fractures.
Young people employed as logging and forestry labourers, chokerman, faller, feller, and tree planters experience the most struck by object accidents.
Overexertion accidents
(Total number of claims = 109)
From 2004-2008, 14 percent of all time-loss claims to young workers in the forestry industry were related to moving or lifting trees, logs, digging handtools, ropers and ties.
Overexertion accidents result in such injuries as
- sprains, strains, tears
- traumatic inflammation of muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints
- dislocation
Young workers employed as tree planters, logging and forestry labourers, and chokerman experienced the most overexertion accidents.
Fall from elevation accidents
(Total number of claims = 106)
Fall on same level accidents accounted for 14 percent of all time-loss claims to young workers in the forestry industry from 2004 to 2008.
The typical fall on same level accidents involve
- falls to floors
- falls on or against trees or logs
Fall on same level accidents most often result in
- sprains, strains, tears
- fractures
- bruises, contusions
- dislocation
Young workers employed as tree planters, logging and forestry labourers, chokerman, slashers, brushers, and swampers experienced the most fall from elevation accidents.
Data Source: WorkSafeBC Statistical Services
Agriculture Claims Overview (2004-2008)
Total number of claims 2004-2008 = 642
Struck by object accidents
(Total number of claims = 176)
From 2004-2008, 27 percent of all time-loss claims to young workers in the agriculture industry involved being struck by things such as
- animals
- cutting handtools
- cart, dolly and handtrucks
The most common injury outcomes from being struck by objects are
- cuts, lacerations
- bruises, contusions
- sprains, strains, tears
- fractures
Young people employed as nursery and greenhouse workers, and general farm workers experience the most struck by object accidents.
Overexertion accidents
(Total number of claims = 114)
Overexertion accidents accounted for 18 percent of all time-loss claims to young workers in the agriculture industry from 2004 to 2008.
The typical overexertion accident is related to moving or lifting such objects as
- boxes, crates, cartons
- trees and logs
- pots, pans and trays
Overexertion accidents most often result in sprains, strains, and tears.
Young workers employed as nursery and greenhouse workers, and general farm workers experienced the most overexertion accidents.
Fall from elevation accidents
(Total number of claims = 85)
From 2004-2008, 13 percent of all time-loss claims to young workers in the agriculture industry were for falls from elevations such as
- upper levels
- ladders
- vehicles
Injuries such as sprains, strains, tears, fractures, bruises, and contusions are the most common results of falls from elevations.
Young workers employed as nursery and greenhouse workers, general farm workers and harvesting labourers experienced the most fall from elevation accidents.
Data Source: WorkSafeBC Statistical Services
Fact Sheets by Geographic Region
Click on the links below for young worker fact sheets by geographic region.
- Fraser Valley (PDF 65 KB)
- Greater Vancouver (PDF 65 KB)
- Interior (PDF 65 KB)
- Kamloops (PDF 65 KB)
- Prince George & Northern BC (PDF 66 KB)
- Vancouver Island (PDF 72 KB)
Statistics: WorkSafeBC Terms of Reference
Accepted Fatalities are fatality claims accepted by WorkSafeBC for survivor or fatal benefits.
Active Employers refer to the current number of active employers registered with WorkSafeBC. Employer identification numbers are aggregated by CU, Subsector, and Sector.
Assessable Payroll refers to the payroll upon which the Assessment is calculated.
Average Costs Per Claim are claim costs divided by accepted claims.
Claim Costs for CU is all cost on claims except health care and rehabilitation cost. It is cost charged in the year for all years of injury. This measure is consistent with the counting methodology used in Accepted Claims.
Claims Costs Paid for firms refer to total health care, STD, rehab, LTD reserves, survivor reserves and cash awards paid in the year regardless of year of injury. This measure is consistent with the counting methodology used in Non-HCO Claims.
Classification Unit (CU) is the industry classification unit code. Its description can be found in the WorkSafeBC Classification and Rate List.
Days Lost for CU are days paid in the year for all years of injury. This measure is consistent with the counting methodology used in Accepted Claims.
Days Paid Quantity (also referred to as 'Total Work Days Lost') refers to the total STD days paid in the year regardless of year of injury. Code R Rehab days, which are included in the days lost statistic published in the statistical supplement to the annual report, are NOT included in this report. This measure is consistent with the counting methodology used in Non-HCO Claims.
First-Paid Short-term Disability (STD) Claim refers to claims with first STD payment made in the same year.
Injury Rate represents the number of Non-HCO Claims per 100 Person Years.
Injury Year Duration is also referred to as 'Current Year Duration'. It includes only days lost (i.e. days paid per claim) in the year of injury. For example, the 1998 injury year duration would only include days lost in 1998 respective to its accepted injury claims in 1998. Injury year duration is the most widely-used method of calculating duration for statistical purposes. Calculations of this method can be provided for classification units, subsectors, sectors, occupational type, age, and other work-related variables. A duration statistic calculated for a group of 25 or fewer claims should be regarded as having high statistical variability. It is important to note that 'Injury Year Duration' is not the same as 'Total Claim Duration' which is reported in the WorkSafeBC Statistical Annual Report.
MSI or Musculoskeletal Injury refers to a combination of overexertion and repetitive motion accident types.
Non-HCO Claims for firms refer to the total number of non-health-care-only claims. A Non-HCO claim must have a Short Term Disability (STD), Long Term Disability (LTD), or Fatal benefit in the year of injury or in the following 3 months.
Person-Years of employment for an employer are estimated by dividing the employer's payroll by the average wage rate for the industry in which the employer operates. The assumption is that wage rates are the same for all employers in the industry. Person years were adjusted retroactively in 2001, based on a newly established industrial classification system called NAICS-- the North American Industrial Classification System. For example, a person year is equivalent to one person working full-time at an occupation for a one-year period.
Small business refers to employer operations with fewer than 20 employees.
Serious Injury: A Serious Injury is defined as a claim with an STD, LTD, or Fatal benefit payment in the period consisting of the month of injury or the following 3 months that has at least one of the following:
- 28 or more STD days lost in the period;
- Healthcare costs in the period equivalent to 28 days of STD costs;
- a Fatal benefit paid in the period;
- one of the 275 ICD9 Medical Diagnosis codes assigned which have been designated as Serious Injuries. The Serious Injury Rate is lagged 3 months to allow for the qualifying payments to accrue. Some Serious Injuries under the ICD9 category are estimated due to uncoded claims.
STD/LTD/FTL Claims represents claims with a first short-term disability, long-term disability or fatal benefit (reserve set or cash award).
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