Workers Compensation Board of Prince Edward Island

Partnering to prevent brain injuries

April 08, 2016

 

The Workers Compensation Board is pleased to collaborate with the Brain Injury Association of Prince Edward Island to improve workplace safety.

 

"We continue to look for opportunities to work with our partners to promote safety and prevent future accidents," said Stuart Affleck, Chair of the Workers Compensation Board of PEI. "We know that by working together, we can make a greater impact."

 

"It is important to monitor the prevalence and impact of workplace injuries related to concussion and minor traumatic brain injuries," said Luanne Gallant, Acting Chief Executive Officer for the Workers Compensation Board. "While the number of claims related to these injuries is not significantly high, they can have a higher duration with symptoms lasting longer than other injuries."

 

160,000 Canadians sustain brain injuries each year. Incidence (and reporting rates) are rising. Over a million Canadians live with the effects of an acquired brain injury. Brain injury is defined as a non-degenerative and non-congenital insult to the brain that may result in a diminished or altered state of consciousness, and result in impaired cognitive, physical, emotional and/or behavioural functioning.

 

"We are happy to be partnering with the Workers Compensation Board on raising awareness of brain injuries through this poster campaign," said Kenneth Murnaghan, Director of the PEI Brain Injury Association of PEI. "It is important to remember that concussions happen often, including the workplace."

 

Workers and employers should be aware of potential hazards that could cause head injuries, including those that are not always obvious. Simple steps like wearing protective headgear, applying anti-slip strips to stair treads and salting walkways and parking lots could help avoid slips, trips and falls.

 

The WCB is an independent, non-profit organization funded solely through premiums paid by Island employers. It provides no-fault workplace injury and illness insurance and promotes workplace health and safety for all Islanders.



Media Contact:
WCB Communications
902-894-0362 or news@wcb.pe.ca