The number of injuries that occurred among municipal employees last year decreased by more than a quarter compared to 2018, according to a report from city hall.
Statistics for the fourth quarter of 2019 showed 19 employees were injured on the job, compared to 18 incidents during the same period two years ago. The total number of injuries last year was 75, compared to 103 from two years ago. This represents a decrease of 27 per cent.
A report on the activities of city hall departments for the fourth quarter of 2019 was presented during city council’s most recent regular meeting. Council voted 6-1 to receive and file the report; Coun. Brian Swanson was opposed.
Other statistics were provided as part of the safety services’ fourth-quarter report.
Four municipal workers needed medical aid, compared to five during the same time frame in 2018. Overall, 18 workers required medical aid last year compared to 24 the year before. Workers required medical attention due to being struck by something or struck against an object; slips or falls; or overexertion.
Due to overexertion and slips and falls, there were four lost time incidents during the fourth quarter, compared to zero during the same time two years ago. Overall, there were seven lost time incidents — the back was the main body-type injury — compared to six the year before.
The number of days lost because of these incidents totalled 47 for the final quarter of 2019, compared to zero during the same time two years ago. However, there were fewer days lost overall last year, at 66, compared to 71 the year before.
There were four motor vehicle incidents during Q4 of last year — nearly half were due to backing up — compared to 11 during the same period in 2018. Overall, there were 45 total such incidents last year compared to 47 two years ago.
Municipal workers damaged four properties — due to inattention and improper procedures — during the fourth quarter, compared to nine in Q4 in 2018. Overall, 42 properties were damaged last year compared to 41 the year before.
A category of dangerous occurrence cited six incidents during 2019 Q4, compared to 11 during the same in 2018. Overall, there were 16 such incidents last year compared to 26 the year prior. Some of the incidents included a grader backing up and making contacting with a light standard; contact with an improperly marked gas line; a grader caught the top of a hidden gas valve in a back lane; and a 240-volt plug was pulled out of a socket.
The next regular council meeting is Monday, March 9.
