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Injuries

Annual State of Safety 2024

Injuries

The number of injuries reported to us in a given year provides an important indicator of the impacts of the hazards inherent in regulated equipment. Together with industry, our goal is to minimize incidents and injuries by identifying, understanding, and reducing risk across the safety system.

We receive injury reports and descriptions from operators or first responders at the time of, or immediately following, the incident. Injury reports are based on evidence available during investigation and any long-term effects of an injury are not reflected in the statistics.

Eight injuries* were ranked as “major” in 2024. There were two fatal injuries* reported this year. The fatalities were related to an escalator fall and electrocution, while major injuries occurred in various technologies we regulate.

*These numbers do not include injuries in the railways technology.

2

fatal injuries in 2024 (excluding railways)

10

injuries rated as major in 2024 (excluding railways)

Major Injuries Sustained at Major Retailer by Unqualified Worker

A worker experienced electrical burns to the face, hands, other skin surfaces, and vision impairment while attempting to upgrade store lighting at a major retailer. Three other nearby workers reported minor smoke inhalation injuries on the night of the incident.

A Field Service Representative (FSR) located out of province was retained and was responsible for the work. They hired contract labour to complete the job. During an overnight shift, work was being done by unqualified individuals to change the store lighting from fluorescent to LED fixtures. During the work, an electrical short tripped an overload, de-energized the store lighting, and damaged an electrical panel. Attempting to correct the situation, a worker and a supervisor without the required qualifications tried to repair the energized electrical panel. The worker inserted a tool into the live panel causing an arc fault that injured the worker and damaged equipment.

Other Injuries of Note in 2024

  • Long term degradation of tube slide results in sudden fiberglass failure and major leg injury
  • Residential home’s clogged boiler vent leads to carbon monoxide poisoning and death of a pet
  • Deteriorated cord exposed an energized conductor that shocked worker

Learn more about injuries through our incident investigation reports.

Injury Categories

Fatal

An injury causing death.

Major

An injury where residual effects are likely to significantly affect long-term quality of life.

Moderate

An injury where residual effects are unlikely to significantly affect long-term quality of life. E.g., temporary loss of consciousness, fractures, concussions.

Minor

An injury where there are typically no residual effects and recovery is expected. E.g., bruises, cuts, minor disorientation or confusion.

Insignificant

An injury where there are typically no residual effects and full recovery is expected. E.g., temporary pain and discomfort.

Injuries by Year in All Technologies

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Injuries by Year in All Technologies Except Railway

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As a province-wide organization, Technical Safety BC respectfully recognizes that its employees live and work on the traditional and unceded territories of the many Indigenous Nations that have thrived throughout British Columbia since time immemorial.

Technical Safety BC collects information for the purposes of administering the Safety Standards Act. That Act, along with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, constitutes the authority to collect such information. If you have questions about the collection, use, or disclosure of this information, contact the Senior Records, Information and Privacy Analyst for Technical Safety BC at 1 866 566 7233.