Prince Edward Island organizations are invited to apply for the 2019 fall intake of Workers Compensation Board (WCB) grants.

The WCB Grant Program, introduced last year, supports projects that prevent workplace injuries and illnesses or improve return-to-work outcomes for Island workers.

 “The program helps us tap into the creativity of others in helping increase awareness of health and safety at work and promote a culture of injury prevention and successful return to work,” said Stuart Affleck, WCB Chair.

Organizations can apply for funding under two streams: Health and Safety or Return to Work. 

Health and Safety funding is for projects that develop innovative ideas for solutions to omit/control workplace hazards, create learning materials such as videos, training, etc. to promote safety culture in the workplace, and to identify best practices for workplace safety and health programs.

Return to Work funding is for projects that develop and implement innovative and effective return-to-work programs for injured workers, develop or enhance education and training that promotes return-to-work practices or assist in other ways in getting employees safely back to work.

Each application is evaluated in the areas of idea, impact, achievability and alignment with WCB priorities. Eligible projects may receive funding support of up to $75,000.

One of the 2018 grant recipients, Whisperwood Villa, was awarded funding for a project designed to reduce back pain and injuries among staff by increasing fitness levels and overall education on back safety.  The project is being facilitated by chiropractor Dr. Whitty, who has developed and been delivering the specialized education and fitness sessions and tracking the results. “The time for research and development of the program would not have been possible without the dedicated funding,” he stated. “Whisperwood Villa would not have been able to carry out this program had it not been for WCB’s assistance or the employer’s commitment to the time and space for the program.”

The deadline to submit applications is Friday, November 29, 2019, at 4:00 p.m.

For more information on the grant program and how to apply, as well as previously funded projects, visit wcb.pe.ca/information/grantprogram.

Aussi disponible en français.