A commentary by the CEO of SafeCare BC.

As many of us grapple with supporting our aging parents, we think about the kind of care they may one day need. But how often do we think about the people providing that care?

In B.C., the long-term care worker looking after your grandmother was four times more likely to be injured on the job in 2024 than the average worker, including those working in construction or manufacturing.

Let that sink in.

The numbers tell a stark story. In 2024, British Columbia’s long-term care sector lost an astounding 82,535 workdays due to injuries, as reported by WorkSafeBC.

This loss is equivalent to the disappearance of 329 full-time staff members – enough to staff several small care homes.

Getting hurt at work isn’t just about lost workdays – it’s about people.

It’s about the care aide who injures her back while assisting with a resident transfer. It’s about the aftermath that........

© Times Colonist