The WCB shares 2023 highlights and new initiatives at its annual general meeting
- Increased compensation rate
- Decreased frequency of injuries in Island workplaces
- New online claim filing and Psychological Care Process
- Expansion of safety resources
- Increased overall employer satisfaction and surplus distribution
In 2023, the Workers Compensation Board (WCB) wrapped up its 2019-2023 Strategic Plan on a high note, by continuing the implementation of initiatives that tangibly support injured workers all the while balancing the needs of Island employers.
“Our 2019-2023 Strategic Plan was an ambitious one that ushered a new era of innovation and commitment to workplace safety and compensation,” said Jim MacPhee, Chair of the WCB. “It became the steppingstone for what lies ahead. Reflecting on our journey since 2019, it’s clear that our collective dedication has positively impacted the lives of workers and employers across Prince Edward Island.”
“At our annual general meeting today, we shared an overview of the WCB’s financial, strategic and operational highlights, including key statistical information on work-related safety and injuries,” said Dan Campbell, CEO of the WCB. “One highlight is the decreased frequency of injuries in Island workplaces which is good news for workers and employers alike. Sadly, there was one work-related fatality in 2023 which is a reminder to us all that prevention and safety need to always be top of mind.”
Here are some key highlights and new initiatives for 2023.
Increased Compensation Rate
The implementation of benefits enhancements which began in 2022 continued through 2023. This includes an increase to the compensation rate from 85% to 90% of net earnings for wage loss benefit payments. This change will reduce the financial impact of injuries and illnesses and assist injured workers with the rising cost of living.
Decreased frequency of injuries in Island workplaces
The injury frequency rate captures the number of time-loss injuries per 100 workers each year, a measure that is used across the country. The PEI time-loss injury frequency in 2023 was 1.16. This means that for every 100 workers, there are 1.16 injuries that result in time off work. This number reflects an ongoing trend of overall safety improvement in Island workplaces. In comparison, the Canadian average is 1.92.
New online claim filing and Psychological Care Process
The WCB now offers workers on the Island the convenience of reporting and filing work-related injury or illness claims anytime, from anywhere and any device with an internet connection. Using the WCB’s Online Services portal, workers can confidently file their claims knowing the portal is secure and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Like work-related incidents that cause physical injuries, exposure to work-related traumatic events can cause psychological injuries. A new Psychological Care Process was implemented to support timely diagnosis and treatment of work-related psychological injuries which includes access to a psychologist and a network of counsellors.
Expansion of safety resources
The updated PEI Aquaculture Safety Code of Practice and the PEI Farm Safety Code of Practice were released this year. These tools provide occupational health and safety guidance for these two key Island industries in a way that is both current and accessible. In addition to these resources, new workshops were offered on silica dust hazards and control.
Increased overall employer satisfaction and surplus distribution
Registered employer satisfaction with their WCB experience is at its highest level, with 85% attesting that they are completely or mostly satisfied. This is an increase of 31 percentage points since our first survey in 2003 and matches the same level attained in 2019. In addition to the overall satisfaction measure, the Service Satisfaction Index, a composite measure of employers’ overall experience with the WCB, now stands at 84.2, an increase of 10.8 points since 2003.
Based on the organization’s December 31, 2022, audited financial statements and its funding policy, the WCB’s Board of Directors approved a $21 million surplus distribution to Island employers. In accordance with policy, a surplus distribution may be approved when the organization’s overall funding status is greater than 140%. Employers with up-to-date accounts with the WCB received their share of the surplus distribution in December 2023.
To consult the WCB’s 2023 Annual Report and other reference materials, please visit wcb.pe.ca