Canada’s healthcare system is already operating under tremendous strain—staffing shortages, rising patient demand, and limited resources challenge its sustainability. While much attention is paid to clinical efficiency and funding models, one critical issue often flies under the radar: occupational health and safety (OHS) incidents among healthcare workers.

When a nurse is injured on the job, a lab technician is exposed to a hazardous substance, or a care aide experiences burnout, the impact goes far beyond the individual. These incidents ripple through the healthcare system, affecting productivity, quality of care, patient outcomes—and ultimately, the financial bottom line.

A Hidden Crisis Behind the Curtain

Healthcare is one of the most hazardous sectors in Canada. According to the Association of Workers' Compensation Boards of Canada (AWCBC), healthcare workers experience some of the highest rates of workplace injuries and illnesses, surpassing even construction and manufacturing.

These incidents range from musculoskeletal injuries and needlestick accidents to psychological trauma from workplace violence and stress. Despite growing awareness, the full economic and systemic burden of these events remains vastly underestimated.

What Are the Hidden Costs?

When we think of workplace injuries, the immediate costs that come to mind are medical treatment and time off work. But the true impact is much broader—and more damaging. Here's how:

1. Staffing Disruptions and Overtime Costs

Injured or ill staff must be replaced—often with expensive overtime, float pools, or temporary staff. This puts financial strain on institutions already managing tight budgets and contributes to overwork and burnout among remaining staff.

2. Decreased Productivity and Morale

OHS incidents can erode team morale and trust in leadership. Workers who feel unsafe or unsupported may disengage, leading to reduced efficiency, higher turnover, and a toxic workplace culture.

3. Impact on Patient Care

Fewer staff means longer wait times, rushed assessments, and reduced quality of care. In high-acuity areas like emergency and intensive care, this can have direct consequences for patient safety.

4. Insurance and Workers' Compensation Premiums

Frequent OHS claims increase the cost of workers’ compensation premiums and can lead to additional regulatory scrutiny, fines, and administrative burdens for healthcare organizations.

5. Legal and Reputational Risks

Failure to maintain a safe work environment may expose healthcare institutions to legal liability, human rights complaints, or union grievances—not to mention the reputational damage when incidents go public.

6. Psychological Toll

Beyond the physical injuries, psychological harm—from burnout, bullying, moral distress, or trauma—is an escalating crisis. These effects are harder to measure, but their long-term implications on workforce sustainability are enormous.

The Broader Economic Impact

Every workplace injury has a price tag. According to the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS), the average direct and indirect cost of a workplace injury can exceed $100,000. Multiply that across thousands of incidents per year, and it becomes clear: OHS failures are draining vital resources from a system that can scarcely afford it.

Moreover, as healthcare workers leave the profession due to unsafe or unsupportive environments, training and onboarding new staff becomes another hidden cost—both financially and in terms of continuity of care.

Investing in Safety Is Investing in Sustainability

The good news? Most OHS incidents are predictable and preventable. Addressing them doesn’t just fulfill legal and moral obligations—it’s a strategic investment in the resilience of our healthcare system.

Proactive safety strategies include:

Implementing ergonomic and infection control measures
Promoting psychological safety and wellness programs
Enhancing incident reporting and learning systems
Providing leadership training in safety culture
Engaging front-line staff in co-designing safer workflows

Final Thoughts

Occupational health and safety isn’t just a “compliance issue” in healthcare—it’s a cornerstone of system sustainability. The hidden costs of OHS failures affect every layer of the healthcare ecosystem, from budget sheets to patient outcomes.

As Canada works to build a stronger, more responsive healthcare system, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of its frontline workers must be a top priority. After all, when we care for our caregivers, we protect our patients—and our future.