Abstract

Since the end of the 1980s, there has been a downward trend in the number of occupational injuries with loss of time. Changes in laws and regulations and how companies manage cases are among the factors that can affect the number of injuries reported to the Commission des normes, de l’équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail (CNESST). Demographic changes and the industrial and occupational composition of the workforce are also factors affecting the number of occupational injuries reported.

The overall frequency rate for accepted occupational injuries is an indicator used to assess the risk of occupational injuries. A decline in the overall frequency rate of occupational injuries is interpreted as indicating decreased risk and, indirectly, improved workplace health and safety.

This study will investigate the impact of changes in the workforce based on certain characteristics, including sex, age group, industry and professional category, as well as in specific frequency rates, on the decrease in the number of occupational injuries.