This month we honour fallen workers
April 28th marks the National Day of Mourning in Canada — a day to remember and honour those workers who have lost their lives or suffered injuries on the job. It’s an important reminder of the ongoing need to prioritize workplace safety and prevent future tragedies. We must all do our part to prioritize workplace safety, whether by speaking up about hazards, following safety protocols and guidelines, or advocating for better policies and regulations. Together, we can create a safer and more just workplace for all. According to the latest data from the Government of Alberta, from 2023 to 2024 Alberta’s workforce increased to 2,518,900 workers, a 3.1 per cent increase, and in 2024 WCB Alberta accepted 49,831 claims, of which 75 percent were modified-work claims and 56 percent were lost-time claims. The disabling injury and illness in 2024 were the lowest in the past five-years, the government’s records show, […]
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 […]
It’s the time of year when slips and falls are a real concern
Whether we like it or not, wintertime is upon us, and that means a higher risk of slips, trips and falls, which can cause injuries ranging from sprains and strains to broken bones and concussions. These incidents lead to lost work time, reduced productivity, higher replacement and overtime costs, and increased workers’ compensation claims. Employers are legally responsible for providing safe workplaces, including safe entry and exit on employer-owned or maintained property such as parking lots, walkways, stairs and entrances. And winter hazards affect all workplaces — not just construction sites. Slips and falls can also happen inside the workplace for a number of reasons. Slips, trips and falls Slips occur when traction is low (due to ice, spills, loose mats, wet floors) Trips occur when the foot hits an object (due to clutter, poor lighting, uneven surfaces, cables) Falls can result from both slips and trips, and can cause […]