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Animal-related injuries
Workers required to do their jobs in remote locations may encounter bears and other large animals. While most large carnivores tend to avoid human contact, hungry or threatened animals do pose a threat.
Industries and occupations whose activities put workers at risk of encounters with bears and other wild animals include oil and gas, silviculture, parks and conservation, forestry, guides, outfitters, industrial or recreational camps, orchards, garbage collection, commercial fishing, and construction.
Statistics about animal-related injuries
From 2005 to 2010, WorkSafeBC accepted:
- 13 claims, including 1 fatality, for injuries caused by direct contact between a bear and a worker
- 10 claims related to bears that involved no contact with the animal; injuries occurred from being chased, confronted, or startled by a bear
- 21 claims for incidents with animals (wild and/or domesticated) other than bears
Resources
- Fact sheet: Animal-related injuries
- A WorkSafeBC Hazard Alert: Beware of bears and be prepared
- “Bear necessities”, WorkSafeBC Magazine article on training outdoor workers to protect themselves from animals
For more information on this or other topics, please contact:
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Megan Johnston |
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