The following considerations may impact data comparisons and analysis:
1. Data Source and Coding
NWISP source data originates from data submitted to the AWCBC by the twelve Canadian Workers’ Compensation Boards/Commissions (WCBs). All variables are coded by the WCBs, not AWCBC. Coding practices may vary between jurisdictions. Jurisdictions code at different points in time throughout the adjudication process and this may affect the categorization of data.
2. Definitions
NWISP data is based on nationally accepted Definitions that may not be the same as statistics published in WCB annual reports. Definitions are important to understand what is (and isn’t) included in NWISP data.
3. Data Included (and Not Included) in NWISP
NWISP publishes lost time claims and fatalities accepted for compensation by WCBs. This does not include ALL workers’ compensation claims received by WCBs. Claims with no time loss are not included. Certain industries, occupations or types of injuries/diseases may not be compulsorily covered in a jurisdiction, and therefore would not be included in NWISP data. Any number equal to or smaller than 3 will be replaced by (X) to protect the identity of the individuals.
4. Standards
NWISP data is presented in the following standards:
- Industry: North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Canada 2017 Version 3.0
- Occupation: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2011
- Injury/Disease: Canadian Standards Association (CSA-Z795). Prior to 1996, injury/disease data was coded to the Canadian Work Injuries Standard (CWIS).
5. Conversion
If a jurisdiction does not code to standards used by NWISP (see above), data is converted to current standards.
6. Legislation/Policy
Each province/territory has its own workers’ compensation legislation, policy and operating procedures that dictate how workers’ compensation is administered in that jurisdiction including who and what is (and isn’t) covered by workers’ compensation. This may vary significantly between jurisdictions and would directly affect what each jurisdiction includes in NWISP data.
7. Workforce Covered
The percentage of workers covered by workers’ compensation varies between jurisdictions. If a jurisdiction does not cover 100% of the workforce, it is possible that certain industries, occupations or types of injuries/diseases may not compulsorily be covered in that jurisdiction and therefore would not be included in NWISP data.
For more information about workforce covered in each jurisdiction, see Worker Coverage.
8. Industry Mix
Based on the economies, geographies, etc. of each jurisdiction, the type of industry mixes will vary from one jurisdiction to another. Certain industries/occupations may be more/less prevalent in different jurisdictions and this will be reflected in NWISP data.
9. Code Changes
Codes may be added/refined over time. As this occurs, past years’ data may not be directly comparable to the current year. For example, if a new occupational disease code is added, there would be no data for this occupational disease for the years prior to this code being created.