The WCB shares 2024 highlights and new initiatives at its annual general meeting
- Improved approach to maximum annual earnings (MAE) calculation
- Resources in six different languages
- Results of the 2024 Injured Worker Survey
- Online claim filing
- Online certificate courses for employers and workers
- Expansion of coverage for psychological injuries
In 2024, the Workers Compensation Board of PEI (WCB) continued its unwavering commitment to PEI workers and employers while implementing a new three-year strategic plan.
“A little over a year ago now, in March 2024, we launched our new three-year strategic plan, with an immediate and long-term focus on the future,” said Jim MacPhee, Chair of the WCB. “This new strategic plan reflects our commitment to excellence and innovation. 75 years into our organization’s journey, we remain dedicated to the whole of our organization’s work, all the while navigating the unique challenges of today’s workplace. Over the 2024-2026 period, we’ve committed to focus on three specific areas: our team, our clients’ complex and evolving needs and business transformation.”
At the annual general meeting, CEO of the WCB, Dan Campbell, shared financial, strategic and operational highlights as well as details on work-related safety and injuries. “Health and safety were clearly top of mind for the over 3,100 Island workers and employers who had the opportunity to take part in our many workshops and learning activities this year,” said Campbell. “This is in addition to the 2,760 workplace inspections carried out by our OHS Officers. In 2024, we adjudicated 1,809 claims for work-related injuries and illnesses with a 92% acceptance rate.”
Sadly, nine Islanders lost their lives as a result of work-related injuries or illnesses in 2024. These workers left behind loved ones, family, friends and coworkers whose lives are now forever changed. Campbell said the WCB must continue working with employers to make sure Island workplaces keep health and safety as a top priority. The reality is that even one workplace fatality is always too many.
Here are some key highlights and new initiatives for 2024.
Improved approach to maximum annual earnings (MAE) calculation
In January 2024, a new method to calculate the MAE came into effect to keep pace with annual PEI wage growth. As a result, more Islanders have their full earnings covered by the WCB when receiving wage loss benefits.
Resources now available in six different languages
The WCB released a series of new and updated resources in six different languages to enhance the health and safety of workers and employers on the Island. These resources are available in English, French, Chinese simplified, Punjabi, Filipino and Spanish.
Results of 2024 Injured Worker Survey
The most recent survey done in November 2024 found that the worker service satisfaction index has continued to increase and now stands at 79.3 out of a possible 100, which is a record high. The overall satisfaction of injured workers with the WCB now stands at 76%, which is also an all-time high.
Online claim filing
The WCB launched its online claim filing service to provide injured workers quicker access to submitting a claim. Now, workers on the Island can report and file a work-related injury or illness claim anytime, from anywhere and any device, through the WCB’s Online Services portal.
Online certificate courses
The WCB started offering free online certificate courses that cover a variety of compensation and occupational health and safety topics for employers and workers. Five initial courses were launched in 2024: Hazard Assessment and Control, Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee Basics, Supervisor Safety, Workplace Disability Management and Workplace Safety for Young Workers. Additional courses were added in 2025.
Expansion of coverage for psychological injuries
In 2024, the Board of Directors approved the expansion of coverage to include psychological injuries resulting from work-related harassment, effective January 1, 2025. Enhancing compensation for psychological injuries is one way to address the evolving and complex needs of workers and employers.
To consult the WCB’s 2024 Annual Report and other reference materials, please visit wcb.pe.ca/Information/AnnualReports
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