New Safety Programs for Employers

By Yosie Saint-Cyr, Editor at HRinfodesk---Canadian Payroll and Employment Law, May 2005

The Nova Scotia Workers’ Compensation Board tabled their 2004 Annual Report, which indicates that they are planning to develop and implement three new safety programs targeted at employers because Nova Scotia has one of the highest workplace injury rates in Canada. Last year, 34,166 workers - more than 90 a day - were injured on the job. Of these, 9,298 injuries were serious enough to require the worker to miss time from work.

The three new safety programs outlined in the report include:

Rate Incentive Program: the WCB proposed changes to how an employer’s premiums are calculated in order to encourage employers to embrace a safety culture.

Priority Employers Program: this program addresses the fact that a relatively small number of employers account for a large portion of workers’ compensation system costs. These employers have too many injuries or frequent severe injuries. The WCB will be working directly with these employers to help them improve their safety record.

Accounts Online Program: the WCB is working to provide employers with information about their individual accounts online. Employers can use this information to improve safety and return-to-work success in their operations.

For additional information, copies of the 2004 Annual Report are available by visiting the WCB website, or by calling (902) 491-8100.

By Yosie Saint-Cyr, Editor at HRinfodesk

Published on HRinfodesk---Canadian Payroll and Employment Law

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