June 22, 2018
WCB Releases 2017 Annual Report
The Workers Compensation Board (WCB) released its 2017 Annual Report today at their Annual Public meeting, in support of the WCB’s ongoing commitment to protecting Island workers and employers through fair and affordable workplace safety and compensation services. “There were many positive changes to policy, programs and service delivery this year” said WCB Chair Stuart Affleck. “In 2017, we focused on improving customer service at every level from frontline reception through to our own Board processes.” In an effort to monitor safety culture on Prince Edward Island, the WCB analyses statistics that represent the collective behaviors of the workforce. The injury frequency rate is the number of time-loss injuries per 100 workers over a period of one year. In 2016, a frequency rate of 1.47 represents a slight increase since 2015, while remaining lower than the average rate across Canada which was 1.54 for 2016. “We are encouraged to see that the average duration for a claim was 20% shorter, with more workers returning to work more quickly than the previous year,” said Luanne Gallant, CEO for the Workers Compensation Board. “Through early and ongoing communication and collaboration with workers, employers and health care providers, we are able to achieve these results” The WCB sadly acknowledges two work related fatalities in 2017. Fatalities are recorded in the year in which the claim is accepted. The WCB will continue to monitor to determine trending factors, identify potential causes and take appropriate actions to reduce the frequency and impact of workplace injury and illness Highlights from the WCB 2017 Annual Report also included enhanced education efforts to improve workplace safety culture and return to work outcomes; a 21.4 million dollar surplus distribution to Island employers; enhancements to service delivery through face to face meetings with injured workers and reduced rates for Island employers. To read a full copy of the WCB Annual Report, click here. Aussi disponible en français.
June 15, 2018
WCB Announces New Grant Program
A new Grant Program is now available through the Workers Compensation Board. The Program will provide financial supports to help fund innovative workplace solutions and training and educational opportunities for Island employers and workers. “Enhancing PEI’s workplace safety culture and improving return to work outcomes are two strategic priorities that are emphasized within this program, and it will be rewarding to see how the grants will impact the health and safety of workers and employers of PEI,” said WCB Chair Stuart Affleck. Organizations can apply for funding under two streams: Workplace Innovation, and Training and Education. Workplace Innovation funding is available for projects that lead to improvements in health and safety, and foster successful rehabilitation, and safe return to productive and meaningful work at PEI workplaces. Training and Education funding is available for instructional programs or activities delivered to Island workers and employers, related to workplace health and safety, injury prevention, and the safe return to productive and meaningful work for injured workers Applicants must submit an application form and include a proposal that clearly demonstrates how the project will benefit Island workplaces. Successful applicants will be evaluated using the following criteria areas: idea, impact, achievability and alignment with strategic priorities. Eligible projects may receive funding support of up to $75,000. “This is a great opportunity to support innovative, problem-solving programs, initiatives and training,” said Luanne Gallant, WCB CEO. “Our hope is that the program will help fund projects that might not otherwise occur. We encourage anyone that has a great new idea, to apply to access this opportunity.” Application forms can be found online at wcb.pe.ca/information/grantprogram. The deadline to apply is Friday, September 21, 2018. For more information on the grant program, visit wcb.pe.ca/information/grantprogram. Aussi disponible en français.
