Low literacy levels lead to workplace risks: report

Nov 24, 2008

Investing in employee literacy programs could improve an organization's overall safety record, a new study from a Canadian research group claims.

The Ottawa-based Conference Board of Canada released a study Oct. 20 that suggests a link between workers' literary skills and their safety and health. A CBOC news release cited survey results indicating that more than 40 percent of working-age Canadians lack the literacy skills "needed to perform most jobs well."

"If workers can't understand health and safety regulations provided to them, or they can't understand their rights to a safe workplace, there is an increased risk of incidents and injury," study author Alison Campbell said in a statement.