July 20, 2017
Bluefield Student Recognized for Excellence in Workplace Safety
The Workers Compensation Board (WCB) is pleased to announce that Madelaine MacDonald is the recipient of this year’s Safety Matters Award. The award is presented to a Prince Edward Island graduating student who has demonstrated an understanding of occupational health and safety (OHS) principles and taken the initiative to apply them in their school or a workplace setting. The award was presented to the Bluefield High School student at the WCB Annual Public Meeting held on June 26, 2017. “This generation represents our future workers and employers of Prince Edward Island” said Stuart Affleck, Chair for the Workers Compensation Board. “That’s why it is important to foster an interest in safety from an early age, which can lead to safer workplaces in the future.” This year’s winner, Maddy MacDonald, spent the past two years promoting health and safety in her work at a local bakery. Working with hot objects and knives are two of the top hazards for young workers, and both were present at her job. Maddy received excellent on-the-job training with respect to safe work procedures (including wearing personal protective equipment), and was taught to report any accidents or hazards in the workplace. She has also acted as a role model and resource to new staff, helping to orient them to safety and proper work procedures. Maddy has actively contributed to building a culture of safety in not only her workplace, but her school as well. She was recognized by her welding and carpentry instructor as a student who ‘put safety first.’ In these courses, there were many safety considerations—everything from operating various machinery, to properly using safety and protective equipment. Maddy plans to continue her education with the hopes of someday working in the field of physiotherapy. “We applaud Maddy and the many other students who take an interest in health and safety in the workplace,” said Luanne Gallant, CEO for the Workers Compensation Board. “Any effort to educate and engage others in discussions around safety will help benefit everyone.” For more information about educating young workers about workplace safety, visit the Workers Compensation Board website at http://www.wcb.pe.ca/Workplace/YoungWorkers or contact the WCB office at 902-368-5680 or 1-800-237-5049. Safety Matters Award winner Maddy MacDonald (centre) with Workers Compensation Board Vice Chair Angus Houston (left) and Chief Executive Officer Luanne Gallant (right).
June 26, 2017
WCB reports fewer injuries for workers and reduced rates for employers
The Workers Compensation Board (WCB) released its 2016 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 great improvements to organizational policy, programs and service delivery over the past year,” said WCB Chair Stuart Affleck. “I would like to thank the staff for all of their work and dedication throughout the year and I thank our stakeholders who hold the WCB to the highest standards.” 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 2015, a frequency rate of 1.28 represented a 9 % decrease since 2014. The statistic is based on workforce data, using the most current information available from the previous year. The WCB sadly acknowledges two fatalities in 2016. 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. “Our province faces changing industries, shifting demographics, emerging technologies and increasing expectations,” said Luanne Gallant, CEO for the Workers Compensation Board. “We must continue to consult with our stakeholders and do our best to ensure that our policies and service delivery continue to meet the needs of our clients.” Highlights from the WCB 2016 Annual Report also included: enhanced education efforts to improve workplace safety culture and return to work outcomes; the inclusion of farmers under the Workers Compensation Act; reduced rates for Island employers; and improvements to the Psychological or Psychiatric Conditions Policy. For more information, visit our website to access a full copy of the 2016 WCB Annual Report. Aussi disponible en français.
