Abstract

In 1995, back injuries accounted for one out of every five reported occupational injuries in the construction sector. At the request of the CSST, the Institute identified the main types of accidents involving the back, using a method developed in-house. Analysis of requests for compensation revealed seven accident scenarios, three of which accounted for 87% of reported back accidents in the construction sector in 1995. More than half of all back injuries in this sector were attributable to excessive exertion, while one-quarter resulted from reactions while workers were stationary or in an uncomfortable posture, and 13% resulted from falls while moving from one place to another. Labourers suffered one-quarter of all back injuries and exhibited the highest incidence rate.