There were 1,097 Canadians killed at their place of work in 2005, and this number is on the rise, according to a study titled "Five Deaths a Day: Workplace Fatalities in Canada, 1993-2005" by the Centre for the Study of Living Standards. This is a disturbing trend when you consider that, as the report says, these deaths are in principal avoidable.

So what exactly is killing Canadians on the job? 'Exposure to harmful substances and environments' is the leading cause of workplace fatalities in Canada, according to the study. Additionally, fatalities due to this event are on the rise. There could be three reasons for this: an increase in awareness among employees of what types of compensation is available, which may mean an increase in claims for compensation; a change in the rules for acceptances of claims by the compensation boards; and an actual increase in the number of people dying from occupational diseases.

What other on-the-job events are killing Canadians? The study provides the following breakdown for each of the 1,097 deaths in 2005:

  1. Exposure to harmful substances or environments - 512 deaths
  2. Transportation accidents - 229 deaths
  3. Contact with objects and equipment - 142 deaths
  4. Falls - 77 deaths
  5. Bodily reaction and exertion - 30 deaths
  6. Fire or explosion - 19 deaths
  7. Assaults and violent acts - 21 deaths
  8. Other (events or exposures, unknown or simply not specified) - 67 deaths

When work-related accidents happen, life insurance can help

Life insurance can help you financially protect your loved ones should you die during your working years, whether a result of your job or not. It's also a key component to a well-designed financial plan.

You should seriously consider life insurance if:
  • You're married
  • You have children
  • You have parents and/or other family members who depend on your income
  • You have a mortgage
  • Your retirement savings or other accounts won't adequately support your loved ones
  • You are self-employed
  • You have debts like car loans or credit cards which would be a financial burden to your survivors if they didn't receive financial support

Life insurance provides you with customized coverage for your family's and loved one's needs. Get and compare life insurance quotes for Term 10, Term 20 or Term to 100 online instantly and round out your financial plan today.

Read more about workplace fatalities in Canada.

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