Top Workplace Injuries & Illnesses in Canada (2021 AWCBC Data)

Per the Association of Workers' Compensation Boards of Canada (AWCBC), 2021 accepted claims reveal the leading occupational disease categories:

Ranked by Claim Volume

1. Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) – 37%
   • Back injuries, tendinopathies, carpal tunnel, epicondylitis
   • Causes: repetitive motion, awkward postures, heavy lifting, vibration
2. Mental Stress – 28%
   • Anxiety, depression, burnout, PTSD
   • Drivers: workload, harassment, trauma exposure, poor support
   • Fastest-growing category (pre-pandemic trend accelerated)
3. Noise-Induced Hearing Loss – 11%
   • Permanent threshold shift from chronic noise exposure
   • Construction, manufacturing, mining, transportation
4. Respiratory Diseases – 7%
   • Asthma, COPD, silicosis, asbestosis, hypersensitivity pneumonitis
   • Exposures: dusts, fumes, gases, biologics
5. Skin Diseases – 5%
   • Contact dermatitis (irritant/allergic), urticaria, chemical burns
   • Exposures: solvents, oils, cement, latex, wet work
6. Occupational Cancers – 3%
   • Mesothelioma (asbestos), lung (diesel, silica, radon), bladder (aromatic amines), nasal (wood dust), leukemia (benzene)
   • Long latency; claims reflect past exposures

Key Trends (2021 vs. Prior Years)

• Mental stress claims ↑ 25%+ since 2019 (pandemic impact)
• MSDs stable but high absolute numbers
• COVID-19 claims categorized separately (not in above)

Prevention Priorities

• Ergonomic programs, mechanical aids, job rotation (MSDs)
• Psychosocial risk assessment, workload management, psychological safety (Mental stress)
• Hierarchy of controls for noise/chemicals (elimination → PPE)
• Medical surveillance for high-exposure groups