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The True Cost of Safety-Related Absenteeism

Hey Calgary business owners—let’s talk about something that might be quietly cutting into your productivity and profits: workplace absenteeism caused by safety issues. This isn’t just about a few empty desks; it’s about significant financial and operational consequences. Let’s break down the real costs and explore how Calgary Safety Consultants can help you get ahead of the problem.

The Financial Impact of Absenteeism
Workplace absenteeism isn’t just an HR issue—it’s a major financial drain. In Canada, the cost of employee absenteeism is estimated at more than $16 billion annually. This includes both direct costs, like wages paid to absent employees, and indirect costs, such as lost productivity, overtime pay, and temporary staffing.

By John Duplessis Published April 25, 2025 2 min read
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Serving employers across Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan, with online training across Canada.

The True Cost of Workplace Absenteeism Due to Safety Issues in Calgary
On this page
  1. The Link Between Safety and Absenteeism
  2. The Hidden Costs of Safety-Related Absenteeism
  3. How Calgary Safety Consultants Can Help
  4. Final Thoughts
  5. Frequently asked questions

According to Statistics Canada, full-time Canadian employees miss an average of 9.5 days per year due to illness or injury. These absences interrupt workflows, burden other employees, and can delay projects or services—hurting your bottom line.

Source: Statistics Canada. (2022). Work absence of full-time employees. https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/t1/tbl1/en/tv.action?pid=1410013201

Source: Conference Board of Canada. (2013). Absenteeism: The Bottom-Line Killer. https://www.conferenceboard.ca/temp/6b2e8557-b66f-45ae-95e0-3c4ee16448ff/14-090_absenteeism_rpt.pdf

A large portion of absenteeism stems from unsafe working conditions. When workplaces lack proper safety protocols, the result is more frequent injuries, illnesses, and mental health challenges—all of which drive up absence rates.

Mental illness-related absenteeism and presenteeism (working while unwell) cost Canadian workplaces an estimated $6.3 billion a year in lost productivity.

Source: Deloitte. (2019). The ROI in workplace mental health programs: Good for people, good for business. https://www.deloitte.com/ca/en/services/consulting/analysis/mental-health-roi.html

The ripple effects of workplace absenteeism go far beyond payroll:

  • Lower Employee Morale: When others have to pick up the slack, stress and burnout increase.
  • Higher Turnover: Unsafe or high-stress workplaces drive people to seek safer opportunities, raising recruitment and training costs.
  • Legal and Compliance Risks: Failure to address hazards can result in fines, legal claims, and reputational damage.

How we help

How Calgary Safety Consultants Can Help

At Calgary Safety Consultants, we specialize in helping organizations reduce absenteeism by building safer, healthier workplaces. Here’s how we do it:

  • Comprehensive Safety Audits
    We evaluate your current systems to identify hazards and ensure compliance with Alberta OHS legislation.
  • Customized Training Programs
    Our practical, engaging training empowers your team to work safely and confidently.
  • Wellness Integration
    We help you align occupational health and wellness programs to support both physical and mental well-being.

Ongoing Support
Our team stays with you for the long haul, helping your safety programs evolve as your business grows.

Book a ConsultationCall: 1-888-231-0358

Final Thoughts

Addressing safety-related absenteeism isn’t just about ticking boxes—it’s about protecting your team and your bottom line. A strong safety culture improves morale, retention, compliance, and productivity.

Ready to reduce absenteeism and improve your workplace? Let’s talk! Book your complimentary consultation today.

Stay safe, stay compliant, and keep your business running smoothly!

John Duplessis

About the author

John Duplessis, B.Sc., CRSP

President and Principal Health & Safety Consultant

John Duplessis is a Canadian Registered Safety Professional with more than 30 years of occupational health and safety experience in oil and gas, construction, green energy, midstream operations, and industrial project work.

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Common questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common questions about this topic.

How does your team help improve safety culture?

We assess existing safety practices, provide training, and develop systems that foster a zero-injury culture by engaging leadership and staff at all levels.

Why is employee engagement essential for a strong safety culture?

Employee engagement ensures that safety isn’t just a top-down directive but a shared responsibility. When employees are encouraged to take an active role in safety practices, it enhances a collective commitment to maintaining a safe environment.

What is workplace absenteeism?

Workplace absenteeism refers to employees missing work due to illness, injury, or workplace-related stress, often leading to productivity losses and increased costs for businesses.

How does workplace safety affect absenteeism?

When safety hazards exist, employees suffer more injuries, develop stress-related health issues, or feel unsafe, leading to increased absentee rates.

What are the financial costs of absenteeism for businesses?

Absenteeism due to workplace injuries costs Canadian businesses billions of dollars annually in lost productivity, replacement hiring, and healthcare expenses.

Keep reading

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Put this article into practice

OH&S Online Leadership Training

Give supervisors and managers the practical side of safety leadership: due diligence, hazard management, supervision, inspections, corrective actions and incident prevention.

  • 27 lessons
  • About 8 hours, self-paced
  • Certificate of completion

$79.99per learner, plus tax

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