Today, our partners in Government released the report of the first review of the workers’ compensation system in our province since 2002.
WCB Nova Scotia is grateful for the work of the Nova Scotia Workers’ Compensation Review Committee, and for the participation of each and every worker and employer who took part in the review.
The report validates our Strategic Plan, and much of the work already underway to improve our contribution to the province. It speaks to progress in injury prevention, and it outlines exciting opportunities that could be real improvements for the system as a whole.
It also speaks to the importance of the improvement work WCB already has underway - and it makes clear the need to improve our service to the workers and employers of our province.
“While we appreciate the report’s statement, during our work, we heard that the vast majority of claims are handled well, we know too often that doesn’t happen. We have work to do,” says WCB Nova Scotia CEO, Karen Adams.
“There are serious issues to be resolved, including lower worker benefits than other provinces, higher employer rates, inconsistent and slow service, insufficient communication with employers and workers, and an unnecessarily complex system that is difficult to navigate.”
WCB Nova Scotia believes that all of us in the system want the same thing: to keep Nova Scotians working, at physically and psychologically safe workplaces.
“We’re committed to that outcome, through continuing our successful prevention efforts, and helping people who are hurt get the help they need to continue their work,” Adams says.
WCB’s formal response to the report will follow soon.
In the meantime, read more here about the opportunities the report represents for the future of our contribution to a better system.
More info:WCB Nova Scotia