LAKELAND - While transport truck drivers and heavy equipment operators account for a combined 24 per cent of all workplace fatalities in Alberta, nursing is the occupation with the highest number of injuries.
According to a January 2025 report from the Ministry of Jobs, Economy, and Trades, there were 13,780 injuries in the education and health services sector in 2023, the most recent year data is available for.
Within that sector, just over half of injuries are classified as a sprain, strain, or tear with injuries to the shoulders and back being the most common, which is consistent with musculoskeletal injuries across all sectors. Nursing aides, orderlies, and patient service associates account for 21 per cent of injury claims, registered and psychiatric nurses for eight per cent, and licensed practical nurses for six per cent.
The data also shows nurse aides, orderlies, and patient services associates had the most claims for harassment and violence in the workplace in 2023.
Information from the nurses’ union, United Nurses of Alberta (UNA), says “working in health care is more dangerous than working in such industries as mining and petroleum extraction.”
It also encourages members to participate in occupational health and safety committees and file formal complaints about workplace hazards, calling it an essential protection for both nurses and their patients.
“We recognize safe and competent care cannot be provided in an unhealthy or unsafe workplace,” according to the UNA.
Decline in oil and gas fatalities
An analysis of data from Alberta and Saskatchewan by Energy Safety Canada found that overall fatalities in the oil and gas industry have declined by nearly 75 per cent since 2002.
Within the industry, transportation accidents account for 41 per cent of fatalities with nearly three quarters classified as highway accidents.
“Motor vehicle incidents mostly occurred in the winter months, from December to February (2019 to 2023 five-year average is 31 per cent),” reads the provincial summary.
Safety and Health Week takes place from May 5-10. It is a time for employers, employees, partners, and the public to focus on the importance of preventing injury and illness in the workplace, at home, and in the community, according to Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety.
