WCB reports fewer injuries for workers and reduced rates for employers
The Workers Compensation Board (WCB) released its 2016 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 great improvements to organizational policy, programs and service delivery over the past year,” said WCB Chair Stuart Affleck. “I would like to thank the staff for all of their work and dedication throughout the year and I thank our stakeholders who hold the WCB to the highest standards.”
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 2015, a frequency rate of 1.28 represented a 9 % decrease since 2014. The statistic is based on workforce data, using the most current information available from the previous year.
The WCB sadly acknowledges two fatalities in 2016. 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.
“Our province faces changing industries, shifting demographics, emerging technologies and increasing expectations,” said Luanne Gallant, CEO for the Workers Compensation Board. “We must continue to consult with our stakeholders and do our best to ensure that our policies and service delivery continue to meet the needs of our clients.”
Highlights from the WCB 2016 Annual Report also included: enhanced education efforts to improve workplace safety culture and return to work outcomes; the inclusion of farmers under the Workers Compensation Act; reduced rates for Island employers; and improvements to the Psychological or Psychiatric Conditions Policy.
For more information, visit our website to access a full copy of the 2016 WCB Annual Report.
WCB Communications
902-894-0362 or news@wcb.pe.ca
