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RICHMOND, B.C. — WorkSafeBC is drawing attention to manufacturing as a high-risk industry and is emphasizing the need for employers to ensure health and safety systems are in place to protect workers.

Over the past five years, the serious injury rate in manufacturing has been 44 per cent higher than the average across all industries in B.C.

According to a release, during that time, more than 26,000 manufacturing workers lost time from work due to injury, with more than 4,300 serious injuries.

The most common types of incidents were overexertion, being struck by or against objects, falls on the same level, and getting caught in machinery or equipment.

WorkSafeBC conducted over 7,700 inspections in the sector last year, focusing on common high-risk activities such as working with energized or moving machinery and performing physically demanding or repetitive tasks.

Another concern is combustible dust, which can pose serious explosion and fire hazards if not properly managed, the release adds. This hazard exists in wood products, plastics, food, rubber, textile and metal manufacturing.

New occupational health and safety regulations are expected to take effect as early as 2026, and will require employers to test, assess and control dust hazards.

“Preventing injuries in manufacturing requires more than awareness — employers need to proactively identify hazards and put controls in place to protect workers,” said Todd McDonald, head of prevention services at WorkSafeBC in a statement. “Involving workers in this process, and ensuring ongoing training and supervision, is also critical.”

For more information on promoting workplace safety in the manufacturing sector, visit .