Health and safety lost time cases by type

Chart: Lost Time Health & Saftey Performance (2005-2008)

  1. Panic attacks/stress
  2. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome/Repetitive Strain Injury
  3. Pulled muscles (other than lifting or handling of materials)
  4. Lifting and handling of materials
  5. Contact with moving machinery
  6. Slips, trips, falls (not on stairs)
  7. Stair falls
  8. Other

The global economic crisis which began in 2008 is a likely contributor to an increase in stress experienced by our employees – 25% of cases in 2008 compared to 8% in 2007. Additionally, improved training and guidance is helping us recognise employees suffering from stress-related issues, which are often more difficult to identify than physical incidents like slips and falls. To help staff reduce stress, we are highlighting established tools like our Employee Assistance Programmes, and new wellness campaigns are under way in 2009.

Since pulled muscles (which can occur in the normal course of office activity, for example, while reaching across a desk) was the second most common type of workplace incident (and resulted in the most lost time from work), we are encouraging employees to practice wellness at the work station with detailed information on Health Resources, our health and safety intranet site. We encourage fitness by among other measures, subsidising gym memberships.