Work injuries in internal migrants to Alberta, Canada. Do workers’ compensation records provide an unbiased estimate of risk?
Abstract
Most studies find that immigrant workers are at greater risk of workplace injury. Some studies suggest that the lost-time rate from work injuries for non-Canadian immigrants was close to double that for Alberta as a whole. Moreover, workers who move across the country to work seem to be at risk of the higher work-related injuries because of the nature of work they perform (i.e. oil and gas industry work). This study specifically focuses on the worker populations of two provinces – Newfoundland and Alberta. As evidence suggests, residents of Newfoundland often work in Alberta. Results: workers from out-of-province compared to residents of Alberta have different patterns of Workers’ Compensation Board claims. Residents of Alberta have a much higher proportion with claims resulting in short (1-30 days) lost time from work. Another finding – out-of-province workers tend not to report their injuries. Workers coming out of province are often threatened to be “black-listed” by contractors if they report work injuries.
Notes
Location
Alberta
Key recommendations
More research is needed about the topic
Key populations
workers (immigrant and domestic) in Alberta
Key findings
workers who move across the country to work seem to be at risk of the higher work-related injuries because of the nature of work they perform (i.e. oil and gas industry work)
workers from out-of-province compared to residents of Alberta have different patterns of Workers’ Compensation Board claims. Residents of Alberta have a much higher proportion with claims resulting in short (1-30 days) lost time from work
out-of-province workers tend not to report their injuries. Workers coming out of province are often threatened to be “black-listed” by contractors if they report work injuries
Gaps identified
Not enough statistics on reported work-related injuries is available to make any substantial conclusions
Community organizations
NA
Integration timeline
At what point during the integration process the study was conducted?
NA
Open-access – No