Research Project Summary

Year Funded: 2012 Budget: $179,500 Funding Agency: WCB Manitoba
Title: The economic costs of workplace injuries to Manitoba workers, employers and the economy
Category: Compensation, Disability Management and Return to Work
Subcategory: Compensation, Disability Management and Return to Work
Keywords: Costs of workplace injury, non-economic costs,
Link to research website:

Issue:

Research into the incidence of workplace injuries and fatalities, as well as the estimates of associated costs, varies greatly by scope and intent. Some studies attempt to estimate a limited number of costs, often focusing only on lost wages and medical costs. Other researchers have expanded the analysis to include types of costs for injured workers, their families, employers and society for specific regions or countries. There are few Canadian studies which estimate the full costs of workplace accidents and none for Manitoba.

Objectives:

This study will examine the full cost of workplace accidents, occupational illness, and fatalities in Manitoba for the last five (5) years.
The main objective of this study is to deepen understanding and estimate the full costs of workplace injuries, illnesses and fatalities in Manitoba. The term “full costs” refers to estimating the economic and non-economic costs, direct and indirect costs and the non-quantifiable social impacts of workplace injuries, illnesses and fatalities.

Anticipated Results:

The findings would present a more complete picture of the losses associated with workplace accidents, injuries, illness, and death and provide insights into the costs incurred by Manitoba workers, employers, and the economy. The information on full costs would be useful as these would be substantially larger than the financial costs reported in annual reports. The study’s findings would also provide evidence for the development of safety and prevention messaging as well as review of WCB policies.

Investigators:

Greg Mason, University of Manitoba