"In 50 years, says Ray Lavandier, "it was the only time I had to contact them but when I did, they used me well." Mr. Lavandier, first client of the Workers Compensation Board in July, 1949, was honoured during the Board's 50th Anniversary celebrations and is again recognized in the Annual Report of the Workers Compensation Board of PEI, released today.
Now in 1999, WCB notes that over 70% of its injured worker clients return to the workplace within four weeks and 95% within six months. In 1999, the Board dealt with 2164 earnings loss claims. Back injuries continued to predominate at 31% of these. Fingers, hands and wrists accounted for a further 18%. Far more seriously, there were three fatalities in the workplace.
This week is recognized as North American Occupational Health and Safety Week, and the OHS Division of Workers Compensation Board has taken a high profile leadership position in the continuing battle against workplace injury. Earlier in the year, the OHS Division was strengthened through the addition of necessary staff in the fields of industrial hygiene and education, administrative support and enforcement.
According to Hon. James M. Lee, WCB Chair, "Our OHS professionals were able to make 2044 contacts in the workplaces of Prince Edward Island last year, 27% more than in 1998. We view that as 27% more effort devoted to averting the human and monetary costs of workplace injury."
During the past year, Workers Compensation Board also took steps to implement the recommendations of a comprehensive Operational Review. Important structural changes have been completed and new senior appointments made in the key areas of Client Services, Corporate Services and Human Resources. As well, a Ministerial Review Committee has recently submitted recommendations to the Minister for revisions to the Occupational Health and Safety Act, originally drafted 15 years ago. It is also expected that amendments to the Workers Compensation Act will soon be tabled in the Legislative Assembly.
Financially, the Board had a satisfactory year. Revenues exceeded expenditures by $317,000 to help retire unfunded liabilities which have accumulated over the years. These liabilities at $87.3 million remain a concern, funded only to the extent of 68% by assets of $59.5 million.
As to the road ahead, Mr. Lee commented that, "Embarking on our second half century, not to mention a new century and millennium, Workers Compensation Board is ideally positioned to make a real difference in reducing injury and increasing safety in the PEI workplace."
For more information, contact Greg MacCallum, Manager Communications, (902) 368-5680, www.wcb.pe.ca.