November 05, 2019
Workers Compensation Board of PEI announces Surplus Distribution and 2020 average rate reduction
The Workers Compensation Board (WCB) has once again reduced the average assessment rate for Island employers. The average assessment rate for 2020 will be $1.52 per $100 of payroll which is a six cent decrease from the 2019 rate. The required average assessment rate is $1.60, based on budgeted costs and investment returns, but because of its strong funded position, the WCB was able to apply an eight cent downward funding policy adjustment to achieve a rate of $1.52 for 2020. Also in accordance with our Funding Policy, a surplus distribution may be considered if the funding status is greater than 140%. The funding status at December 31, 2018 was 146.3 %. As a result, the Board has approved a $20 million surplus distribution to employers. At this time a surplus distribution is not anticipated in 2020. “Our funding policy establishes a framework to help us achieve long term financial sustainability,” said Stuart Affleck, Chair of the Workers Compensation Board. “The surplus distribution and rate decrease are measures taken to bring the funding status closer to the target range of 100-125%.” All Island employers will be advised of their individual assessment rates in December 2019, which are based on the costs of claims and the risks of workplace injury in their industries. For more information on the assessment rate groups, please visit wcb.pe.ca/2020rates. The surplus will be distributed to eligible employers in December 2019. For more information on the most frequently asked questions related to the surplus, visit wcb.pe.ca/surplus. The workers compensation system is a balance of employer and worker interests. Over the past few years, the WCB has introduced many enhancements in coverage for workers all while decreasing the average assessment rate. This includes the increases to the lump sum death benefit; definition to impairment expanded to include psychological impairments such as PTSD; addition of an Annuity program; Presumptive coverage for firefighters for certain cancers and heart injuries and amendments to the OHS Act and Regulations to include provisions for workplace harassment. There were also a number of recent policy changes that enhanced benefits to workers. Aussi disponible en français.
October 31, 2019
New App for Health and Safety Information
The Workers Compensation Board of Prince Edward Island (PEI), in collaboration with the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS), has launched a new app to help Islanders better access workplace health and safety information. The new app provides mobile access to the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act and provides relevant, up-to-date information on 20 common health and safety topics, with further topics to be developed over the coming years. In addition to the new mobile app, WCB has also created a web version that provides users with a consistent look and feel when navigating on a desktop or laptop computer. “The new mobile app provides quick and easy access to key information that will help keep Island workplaces safe said Cheryl Paynter, WCB’s CEO. “This means that wherever employers and workers are working, they can find information on health and safety requirements at their fingertips,” Paynter added. “We were pleased to work with WCB PEI to develop their new mobile app and website,” said Gerry Culina, Manager, General Health and Safety Services, CCOHS. “With changing workforces and advances in technology, it is important to continue to offer new ways to access safety information and resources.” Current app topics include: confined spaces, duties of employers and workers, fall protection, impairment, noise, violence in the workplace and working alone. Each topic links to related resources, such as summaries, legislative interpretations, prevention updates and hazard alerts. The app does not presently address all workplace health and safety legislation; therefore users should always refer back to the legislation or regulation for specific requirements that relate to their applicable industry. The PEI Guide to OHS Legislation app is free and can be downloaded through the App Store or Google Play, depending on the type of device you use – search for “PEI OHS Guide.” More information can also be found on our website at wcb.pe.ca/ohsguide. Aussi disponible en français.
