Maximizing Returns: The Power of Well-Designed Return-to-Work Programs
In terms of human resources and workplace management, the value of a well-designed return-to-work program cannot be overstated. Beyond the immediate benefits of aiding workers with their transition back to their duties, these supportive and inclusive programs send a clear message that resonates throughout the entire organization that their employer cares. A thoughtfully crafted return-to-work program can not only promote employee well-being but also yield substantial financial advantages, including the reduction of Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) claim costs and premiums. It is widely acknowledged that, in most cases, the shorter the time an injured or ill worker is away from the workplace the less time it will take them to return to their full duties on a full-time basis and return-to-work programs are fundamental in making this happen. The shorter the time loss, the shorter the recovery, the lower the claim costs and the lower the impact on WCB premiums […]
Understanding Risk Assessment and its Impact on Reducing WCB Premiums
What is Risk Assessment? Risk assessment is a vital process that helps businesses identify, evaluate, and manage potential hazards and risks within their operations. It involves a systematic examination of the workplace, tasks, and processes to determine potential sources of accidents or injuries to employees. By taking a proactive approach to safety, companies can create a safer work environment and improve employee well-being. In turn, these two factors alone, can help reduce the frequency and severity of work-related claims, ultimately resulting in lower Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) premiums. How does the Risk Assessment process work? Identifying Hazards: The first step is to recognize potential hazards in the workplace, which may range from physical factors (such as slippery floors or faulty machinery) to environmental issues (like exposure to harmful substances). Assessing Risk: After identifying the hazards, the next step is to assess the level of risk associated with each hazard. This […]
Understanding the Significance of Physical Demands Analysis
In today’s post-pandemic, fast-paced and ever changing world, ensuring the health, safety, and productivity of employees is becoming increasingly more important and challenging for organizations across all industries. Employers need to focus their time and resources on what is within their control rather than what is not. An effective health and safety management program is one that embraces prevention, preparedness and planning in an effort to avoid or address incidents, accidents and injuries. A key component of any health and safety management program is a current and accurate Physical Demands Analysis (PDA) of all positions in the organization. Physical Demands Analysis Defined: Physical Demands Analysis is a systematic approach used to evaluate the physical requirements of job tasks. By analyzing the demands placed on employees, organizations can identify potential risks, design appropriate interventions, improve overall workplace ergonomics and facilitate return to work options for injured or ill workers. A PDA […]
Workers’ Compensation: Managing and Mitigating Energy Sector Claim Costs
The following blog post is published in the 2023 Saskatchewan Energy Report. You might think the oil & gas industry would be high on the list of the most dangerous occupations in Canada, but in fact, according to Avetta’s research (which used statistics from 2017-2019), the energy sector actually comes in 10th on the list. While this might seem like good news — and speaks to the industry’s adherence to safety principles — the reality is that work-related accidents and incidents still happen, and the associated costs of workers’ compensation claims are a significant concern for employers. For most employers, work-related injuries and illnesses are a harsh reality of doing business, and not just because of the lost productivity that is involved, but for financial reasons as well. Disruption of operations is one ramification of an on-the-job accident or incident, but the cost of every Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) claim […]
Mental Health in the Workplace – Tips and facts for a healthy workforce
Canada will be activating a three-digit number for suicide prevention on November 30, 2023. If you’d like to know more about this, please visit the Government of Canada website. If you are in Canada and you, or someone you know, need help now, please continue to call 1.833.456.4566 any time, or text 45645 between 4 p.m. and midnight ET. Blue Monday, possibly the saddest day of the year, was January 16th and Bell Let’s Talk Day is January 25th. We are heading into the depths of winter and into the fourth year of dealing with the physical, financial and emotional impact of the COVID pandemic. It’s no wonder everyone is talking about mental health. The recent focus on the awareness and acceptance of mental illness and the effects that stress has on our overall well being only highlights the connection between workplace safety and a psychologically healthy work environment. ‘Blue […]