Saint John, NB: “New Brunswick workplaces are safer and our injured workers are being treated better as a result of our board’s leadership and our employees’ commitment,” said Doug Stanley, President and CEO of the Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission. And this statement is backed by the goals, the measures set to achieve them, and their results as reported in the WHSCC’s 2007 Report to Stakeholders, Stanley said.
“I am proud to present this report as it supports the conclusion by the Independent Review Panel that the compensation system in New Brunswick, as compared to other jurisdictions, is working well. We met our goals in 2007 and, in many cases, exceeded them,” he said.
In 2007, while the numbers of employers and workers in New Brunswick increased, accident frequency decreased to the lowest provincial accident frequency rate on record, and the lowest rate within Canada. The WHSCC continued to maintain a fully-funded liability, while once again decreasing the assessment rate.
“More than the statistics, however, this report tells the stories behind the numbers. It tells the stories of what we’re doing through prevention and education in the areas of safety, return to work, service, efficiency and staff satisfaction,” Stanley said.
While Stanley lauds the work by the WHSCC’s staff and board of directors, he said he looks forward to further improving service by addressing the Independent Review Panel’s recommendations and seeking more consultation and dialogue with stakeholders.