July 22, 2021
Feedback Requested: Proposed WC Act Amendments to Benefit Indexation
The WCB is requesting feedback on proposed amendments to the Workers Compensation Act and General Regulations related to benefit indexation. The purpose is to better align long term benefits with rises in the cost of living.A consultation summary has been posted on the Legislative Feedback page of the WCB website under the heading, Proposed Amendments to the Workers Compensation Act - Benefit Indexation. The WCB encourages stakeholders to provide feedback on the proposed changes by August 21, 2021, using the online feedback form.
July 09, 2021
Working at Heights Campaign Underway
Beginning June 28, WCB launched a widespread education and enforcement campaign surrounding working from heights, which includes a package of new safety resources, posters, media and mini training videos to assist employers and workers in understanding their legal obligations. The goal of the initiative is to protect workers by ensuring compliance with the OHS Act and Regulations and raising awareness of the importance of workplace safety. In 2019, on a Prince Edward Island worksite, a worker suffered life altering injuries as a result of falling approximately 5.5 meters (18 feet) from unguarded scaffolding to the concrete surface below. As a result of fines levied on this case, the WCB developed the focused Working at Heights Campaign to ensure proper precautions and legal obligations of employers and workers regarding working from heights are taken, to prevent further accidents like this from happening again. “Falls from heights are a significant cause of serious workplace injuries,” said Danny Miller, Director of Occupational Health and Safety for the Workers Compensation Board. “They can, and have happened in a split-second, and when efforts are not taken to follow the required safe work practices, serious injury or death can occur.” Any person working at a height of 3 meters or more is required to have a fall protection system in place. This includes work on scaffolding, elevated work platforms, roofs or any other place that presents a fall hazard.” As part of the campaign, WCB Occupational Health and Safety Officers are visiting work sites across the province with an increased focus on fall protection use. It will also include an education component about roles and responsibilities under the OHS Act and Regulations and resulting consequences for non-compliance, including orders and/or prosecution. The campaign was developed in partnership with the Construction Association of Prince Edward Island and the Canadian Home Builders’ Association-PEI, and will run for 4 weeks. For more information on the campaign, visit www.wcb.pe.ca/WorkingAtHeights and for more information on the OHS Act and Regulations, contact the WCB Occupational Health and Safety Division at 902-368-5680 or visit the WCB website at www.wcb.pe.ca
