News & Announcements

The WCB policy, Employer Assessment Billing (POL-13), has been amended. Information about the revision is included in the History section at the end of the policy.

The Workers Compensation Board has approved in principle changes to the policy, Employer Registration (POL-19). We invite you to provide feedback on this draft policy by June 1, 2012 in the Policy Consultation section of this website.

Your feedback is requested on the following WCB policies that are currently under review:

Funding Policy (POL-136)

Legal Costs (POL-05)
 
Phone Calls (POL-72)

Physician Selection (POL-32)

Responsibilities of Recovering Workers (POL-76) 

Please visit the Policy Consultation section of our website and provide your comments and suggestions by May 31, 2012.

The Workers Compensation Board (WCB) is pleased to release the results of the 2011 WCB Employers Survey. Consistent with previous surveys, the WCB received high marks for effectiveness, fairness to employers and service delivery. The WCB’s Service Satisfaction Index rates at 77.1%, and demonstrates a gradual upward trend since the survey was first conducted eight years ago.

Most importantly, the results provide the WCB with valuable feedback on ways to improve programs and services going forward. The WCB gratefully acknowledges the five hundred Island employers who took part in this study and we look forward to the 2012 Injured Workers Survey which will commence in the fall.

Click here to view the Employers Survey Summary and Quality Service Indicator reports.

At the WCB, we understand the importance of occupational health and safety education. Workplace safety lessons that are learned early in life become safe work habits that can protect young workers throughout their lives.

To promote safety among high school students, the WCB has developed Keeping it Safe in the Workplace resources for teachers. The resources include a lesson plan and classroom materials which focus on youth and the things they can do to stay safe in the workplace.

Although anytime is a good time to teach about workplace safety, the WCB encourages teachers to introduce their students to the safety lesson before the summer employment season begins. North American Occupational Safety and Health (NAOSH) Week, May 6-12, an ideal time to start, as it is the week when employers, workers, and the public are reminded of the importance of preventing injury and illness in the workplace, at home, and in the community.

For more information about young worker safety, visit the Young Workers section of the WCB website or contact us.  Keeping it Safe in the Workplace was developed in partnership with WorkSafeNB, the Workers Compensation Board of Nova Scotia, and the Workplace Health, Safety & Compensation Commission of Newfoundland and Labrador.
  

A review of the Workers Compensation Act is currently underway, and the Legislative Review Advisory Committee invites all interested parties to submit suggestions for legislative improvements.

The deadline for submissions has been extended to May 30, 2012. Feedback on the Workers Compensation Act is accepted in person, in writing or online. Visit the Legislative Review section of the WCB website for more information.

In September 2011, a small business operator suffered severe burns when his clothing caught fire while welding. To raise awareness of the dangers with hot work and the precautions to take when using welding and cutting torches, the Workers Compensation Board has issued a hazard alert for welders.

A tragic incident like this reminds us all that safety matters at work, every day. If you have questions about workplace safety, please contact us. Our Occupational Health & Safety Officers and Education Consultants are here to help.

As of March 1, employers have the option of paying WCB assessments electronically through WCB Online Services. The Employer Assessment Payment service is now available, along with an online remittance option for those who participate in the Monthly Assessment Payment Option program.

The WCB’s Online Services offer a convenient and secure way for employers to manage their WCB accounts and to report workplace injuries. Online Services are available all day, every day, from anywhere the internet is accessible.

Sign up for an Online Services account now, to take advantage of these new services and the many others available electronically with the WCB. 

February 29th is Anti-Bullying Day, reminding us all to take a stand against intimidation, degradation and violence for those who may be at risk, including those in the workplace.

Bullying can include threatened, attempted or actual physical violence in the workplace. On Prince Edward Island, the Occupational Health and Safety Act addresses a specific type of workplace violence, that which is caused by persons other than co-workers or employers.  Types of work that can result in a higher risk of violent incidents include handling money, valuables or prescription drugs; working in premises where alcohol is served; and working alone or in isolated areas.

As with any workplace hazard, awareness is the first step in preventing workplace violence. The Workers Compensation Board's Guide to the Prevention of Workplace Violence provides information and practical tips for prevention. All workers and employers are encouraged to read the guide, to know the risks and take all reasonable precautions to stay safe.

For more information about the prevention of workplace injury, visit the Safe Workplaces section of the WCB website or contact us.