Daylight Saving Time can mean more accidents
It’s that time of the year again: Daylight Saving Time! The time when the clocks go forward an hour (in B.C. they will do so for the last time ever) and everyone loses an hour of sleep. Many of us are happy to do so because it means that it stays light later into the evening, and it also means that spring is around the corner. Unfortunately it also means that many people are operating on an hour less sleep than they would have gotten normally, and that means a greater likelihood of accidents happening. The idea of moving the clocks ahead in the spring and back in the fall is over 100 years old, and for many it still remains a controversial solution to a debatable problem. The argument behind it is based on energy conservation (since it is light later) and also stimulating the retail and entertainment sectors […]
February is Heart Month!
Given that February 14th is Valentine’s Day, a holiday that is usually associated with hearts, it’s probably not surprising that February is Heart Month. Here’s a quick reminder of why that’s important: — Cardiovascular disease is the 2nd leading cause of death in Canada — Men are more likely to die of a heart attack than women — One in 12 Canadians over the age of 20 live with diagnosed heart disease — High blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes are contributing risk factors Doctors advise that pursuing a healthier lifestyle can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, and some heart-healthy lifestyle habits include: — Eating better (fish, fruits and vegetables) — Getting more exercise (low impact such as swimming or walking) — Quitting smoking — Limiting alcohol consumption — Maintaining a healthy weight — Reducing stress As depressing as this may seem, the reality is that every one of […]
What you need to know about EPRS statements
If you are an Alberta employer, you should have received your Employer Premium Rate Statement sometime in December or possibly late November (if you didn’t, you might want to check the Workers’ Compensation Board online portal and/or your email). If you’re new to the process, here’s a quick recap on how it works: Every year from the end of November to mid-December, WCB Alberta sends out its premium rate statements. This document tells all employers in Alberta who have a registered WCB account how much they will pay for WCB coverage the next year. Depending on your company’s track record with injuries and claims, combined with your industry’s overall injury rates, the increase to your premium rates could be significant, or you could be given a discount on your previous rate. In the WCB’s 2026 Premium Rates Highlight sheet, it says that the board is several years into a multi-year […]