P.E.I. Workers Compensation Board indicates duration for claims down

One of the biggest priorities for the Workers Compensation Board this past year was improving customer service at every level, from frontline reception through to the actual board process.

Luanne Gallant, CEO for the board, said it was encouraged to see that the average duration for a claim was 20 per cent shorter, with more workers returning to work more quickly than the previous year.

“Through early and ongoing communication and collaboration with workers, employers and health-care providers, we are able to achieve these results,’’ Gallant said.

In an effort to monitor safety culture on the Island, the board analyses statistics that represent the collective behaviours of the workforce.

According to the board’s annual report, the injury frequency rate is the number of time-loss injuries per 100 workers over a period of one year. In 2016, a frequency rate of 1.47 represents a slight increase since 2015 while remaining lower than the average rate across Canada which was 1.54 for 2016.

The board said there were two work-related fatalities in 2017. Fatalities are recorded in the year in which the claim is accepted.

The board said it 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.

Highlights from the annual report also include enhanced education efforts to improve workplace safety, culture and return to work outcomes, a $21.4 million surplus distribution to Island employers, enhancements to service delivery through face-to-face meetings with injured workers and reduced rates for Island employers.

For more information or to read a full copy of the annual report, visit the website at wcb.pe.ca.