Sask WCB releases 2025 annual report showing total injury rate dropped to 3.68 per 100 workers
According to the Saskatchewan Workers’ Compensation Board’s (WCB) 2025 annual report and its operating results news release, the province’s Total injury rate dropped to 3.68 per 100 workers in 2025, down from 3.91 in 2024, a 5.9 per cent decrease and the lowest rate in Saskatchewan’s history. The Time Loss injury rate also declined to 1.66 per 100 workers from 1.72 the year before, another record low.
Injury rates fall, fatalities plateau
Despite this progress, the number of workplace deaths has not moved. The WCB reports that “the number of workplace fatalities remained at 27, unchanged from 2024,” a figure echoed in the annual report’s summary of injury outcomes. The report notes that “every workplace fatality is a tragedy” and that, while the long‑term trend is declining, “each death reinforces the urgency of prevention.”
CEO Phillip Germain stressed the ongoing human impact behind the statistics. “Even as Saskatchewan sees a lower workplace injury rate, every incident still leaves a lasting mark on families, colleagues and workplaces,” he said. “That reminder strengthens our resolve to keep pushing for safer workplaces for every worker in this province.”
More workers covered as claim costs and durations rise
The number of full‑time equivalent workers covered by the WCB reached a record high of 473,086 in 2025, up from 443,344 in 2024, with 49,063 active employer accounts.
Total accepted claims edged up to 17,401, including 7,840 Time Loss claims and 9,561 no time loss claims. Average Time Loss claim duration increased to 47.5 days from 44.5 days in 2024, while serious injury duration rose to 97.3 days from 90.7 days, reflecting more complex recovery needs and adding pressure to the compensation system.
Financially, the WCB remained fully funded. The board reports a sufficiency ratio of 123.5 per cent at year‑end 2025, within its 100 to 140 per cent target range but down from 137.5 per cent in 2024. Claim costs rose to $362.7 million, up from $255 million, while premium revenue increased to $378.6 million and investment income totalled $205 million.
In the annual report, the board notes that “the Total injury rate has declined by 67 per cent since 2002,” crediting “the sustained commitment from workers, employers, safety associations, labour [and] industry associations” and government partners.
Prevention strategy and system transformation
WorkSafe Saskatchewan continued implementing its 2023–2028 Fatalities and Serious Injuries Strategy in 2025, focusing on three high‑risk sectors—health care, transportation and construction—and seven common serious‑injury issues, including motor vehicle collisions, asbestos exposure, falls, machinery hazards, workplace violence and psychological health challenges. A 12‑month rolling serious injury rate reached a five‑year low during the year, according to the report.
At the same time, the WCB advanced its multi‑year Business Transformation Program. The annual report highlights a major milestone in December 2025 with the launch of a new online employer platform and ongoing design of an integrated claims and case management system.
In the operating results news release, Germain said, “Our Business Transformation Program is reshaping how the WCB serves Saskatchewan to deliver a more responsive, seamless experience for customers while reinforcing the sustainability of the compensation system. By bringing together modern technology, streamlined processes, a strong workplace culture and deeper partner collaboration, we are building a service model designed for the future.”
Together, the 2025 data and accompanying commentary point to a system that is reducing overall injury risk and maintaining financial strength, even as the toll of largely unchanged fatality numbers underscores how fragile that progress remains.
