Statistics Canada published data from the recent Canadian Survey on Working Conditions, a new study aiming to better understand the working conditions of Canadians. Work environments and working conditions can expose workers to risks to their physical health and impact their overall well-being. These risks include biological and chemical risks, ambient risk factors, and ergonomic risks.

According to the research, 17% of Canadian workers report doing unpaid work in their free time several times a month. The data shows that more than half of workers (54.3%) were frequently exposed to ergonomic risk factors, such as repetitive hand or arm movements, in 2024-2025. Statistics Canada notes that the occupations with the highest levels of frequent exposure to ergonomic risks include natural resources, agriculture and related production (74.9%), trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations (74.5%) and manufacturing and utilities (73.2%).

The research found that more than one-third (35.2%) of health care workers are regularly exposed to angry or dissatisfied clients or patients. Despite the fact that supportive colleagues or leaders improve an employee’s ability to navigate difficult situations in the workplace, the proportion of employees with a manager who supported them most of the time or always was lowest in health care and social assistance (66.2%).

For further information about the Canadian Survey on Working Conditions and to access additional insights, click here.