December 08, 2022
Safe Youth Award recipients share insights on workplace health and safety
The Workers Compensation Board (WCB) 2022 Safe Youth Award recipients are two young people who came to value the importance of workplace health and safety by learning from coworkers, reflecting on possible consequences and using that knowledge to make good decisions. The award comes with a $500 cash prize. “Each day of my summer employment, I made the choice that I would rather spend a few minutes on preventative measures than spend weeks or months rehabilitating from an injury,” said Lauren Smith, summer student with Maritime Electric, who received the award in the 15-19 years of age category. “A coach and teacher of mine in high school always said ‘safety never takes a holiday’ and that has also stuck with me. It makes me value safety not only in the workplace but also in every aspect of my life.” “Each work day brought a variety of tasks and that comes with the need to be safe in each task we do, whether it be running a chainsaw or being in a canoe,” said Tessa MacKinnon, summer student with Souris Wildlife, who received the award in the 20-24 years of age category. “In order to enjoy my summer job, safety had to be a top priority and my employer had that covered.” Both Lauren and Tessa’s employers noted that the young people were diligent in modeling safety practices, used and maintained their personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times and were keen on taking part in hands-on safety training. “Young workers aged 15 to 24 are among the highest risk groups for workplace injury,” said Danny Miller, WCB’s Director of Occupational Health and Safety. “It’s important for everyone – employers, coworkers, parents and teachers – to support young people when they enter the workforce. Young workers, like all workers, can contribute to a culture of workplace safety by asking questions, pointing out hazards and encouraging others to work safely.” For additional information on the WCB Safe Youth Award: http://wcb.pe.ca/Workplace/Programs For additional WCB information on young workers, including resources for teachers and the WCB’s Guide for Employers of Young Workers: http://www.wcb.pe.ca/Workplace/YoungWorkers Aussi disponible en français.
November 07, 2022
WCB announces rates, surplus and pursuit of benefit enhancements
The Workers Compensation Board (WCB) of PEI is pleased to announce a 4.2% reduction of its estimated average assessment rate for Island employers for 2023. This brings the 2023 rate to $1.37, down from $1.43 in 2022. Assessment rates are set annually by the WCB Board of Directors and are calculated per $100 of assessable payroll. As of January 1, 2023, the maximum assessable earnings (MAE) will be $65,000. The MAE is the maximum amount of earnings an employer would pay premiums on per worker. Based on the funding status as of December 31, 2021, the Board of Directors also approved a $22 million surplus distribution to employers. The surplus comes as a result of investment returns which fluctuate from year to year. Surplus distribution is considered on a yearly basis by the Board of Directors. “The WCB is proud to contribute to the fair compensation of injured workers while balancing financial sustainability for employers,” said Jim MacPhee, Chair of the Workers Compensation Board. “It is with this balance in mind - the needs of workers and employers - that while rates are decreasing, we are also pursuing legislative changes this fall that would enhance benefits for injured workers and their families.” The rate reduction is made possible by strong investment returns in 2021, growth in the Island’s assessable payroll, a focus on injury prevention and return to work efforts and generally, a funding policy which focuses on sustainability and minimizing volatility. The strong funded position of the WCB creates the opportunity to pursue benefit enhancements while continuing the trend of reduced employer assessment rates. All Island employers will be advised of their individual assessment rates in December 2022. These rates are based on the cost of claims, the risks of workplace injury in their specific industries and the assessment rates by industry group. For more information on rate assessments by industry groups, please visit http://wcb.pe.ca/2023rates The surplus will be distributed to eligible employers in December 2022. For more information on the most frequently asked questions related to the surplus, please visit http://www.wcb.pe.ca/surplus Benefit enhancements put forward by the WCB include a variety of measures meant to alleviate the financial impacts of injuries and fatalities on Islander workers and their families. The proposed enhancements are currently being considered by the Legislative Assembly of PEI. For more information on benefit enhancement, please visit https://bit.ly/3fKpRNe Aussi disponible en français. -30-
