Musculoskeletal injuries remain the most common workplace injury in B.C.: WorkSafeBC

Indo-Canadian Voice Musculoskeletal injuries remain the most common workplace injury in B.C.: WorkSafeBC posted by: Rattan MallOver a five‑year period, WorkSafeBC accepted more than 88,000 time-loss claims for musculoskeletal injuries, resulting in over $2.35 billion in claim costs WORKSAFEBC is highlighting the continued impact of musculoskeletal injuries (MSIs) in B.C. workplaces and the ongoing need for employers to reduce the risks associated with these injuries. An MSI is an injury […] The post Musculoskeletal injuries remain the most common workplace injury in B.C.: WorkSafeBC first appeared on Indo-Canadian Voice.Indo-Canadian Voice

Feb 26, 2026 - 22:30

Musculoskeletal injuries remain the most common workplace injury in B.C.: WorkSafeBC

Indo-Canadian Voice Musculoskeletal injuries remain the most common workplace injury in B.C.: WorkSafeBC posted by: Rattan Mall

Over a five‑year period, WorkSafeBC accepted more than 88,000 time-loss claims for musculoskeletal injuries, resulting in over $2.35 billion in claim costs

WORKSAFEBC is highlighting the continued impact of musculoskeletal injuries (MSIs) in B.C. workplaces and the ongoing need for employers to reduce the risks associated with these injuries.

An MSI is an injury or disorder of the muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, nerves, or blood vessels. Injuries may include sprains, strains, and inflammation, while disorders may include tendonitis, bursitis, and carpal tunnel syndrome.

“Many everyday work activities — such as lifting, reaching, or repetitive movements — can place strain on the body and lead to musculoskeletal injuries,” says Todd McDonald, Head of Prevention Services at WorkSafeBC. “MSIs remain the most common type of workplace injury in B.C., accounting for about 30 per cent of all WorkSafeBC time-loss claims and more than a quarter of overall claim costs.”

Over the five-year period from 2020 to 2024, WorkSafeBC accepted approximately 88,000 time-loss claims for MSIs. Total claim costs for all MSI injuries over that period exceeded $2.35 billion.

MSIs affect workers across a wide range of industries, but are most seen in health care, retail, local government, restaurants, public schools, and the skilled trades.

Workers who experience MSIs may face reduced quality of life, long-term or chronic disability, and psychological impacts. Beyond the human toll, MSIs also have significant consequences for employers, including increased absenteeism and turnover, as well as higher insurance premiums.

What employers can do

Employers are required to assess the risk of MSIs in their workplaces and take steps to eliminate or minimize those risks. They must also ensure workers are educated and trained to recognize MSI hazards.

“Making MSI prevention part of everyday occupational health and safety practices is critical,” says McDonald. “Employers should look closely at tasks that involve repetitive motion, heavy or awkward lifting, or sustained postures, and then identify practical ways to reduce those risks.”

To determine which jobs or work activities may present MSI risk factors, employers should review available records — including first aid records, injury claims, and incident investigation findings — conduct workplace observations and speak directly with workers who perform the tasks.

WorkSafeBC emphasizes the importance of involving workers and joint health and safety committees throughout this process, as they are often best positioned to understand the work being done and the associated hazards.

Encouraging early reporting is also essential, as many MSIs develop gradually and may only be addressed once symptoms become severe enough to require time away from work.

WorkSafeBC’s inspectional focus

WorkSafeBC’s planned inspectional initiatives identify industries and employers with a high risk of serious workplace injuries and a significant contribution to the serious injury rate and the time-loss claims rate. MSI prevention will be an inspectional focus for WorkSafeBC in 2026, particularly in sectors where data indicates elevated risk, including health care, construction, retail, and transportation.

Several of WorkSafeBC’s planned inspectional initiatives emphasize MSI prevention across various sectors. WorkSafeBC also provides resources and tools to help workers and employers identify, assess, and control the risk factors for MSIs.

For more information on preventing MSIs and promoting workplace safety, see WorkSafeBC’s Ergonomics webpage.

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