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. 

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