WorkSafeNB’s 2009 Annual Report released today highlights a return to positive operating results, including a surplus of $129.2 million, following two years of operating deficits. In 2009, WorkSafeNB rebounded to a fully-funded position of 101.6%, thanks to a prudent investment strategy and robust market returns.
More importantly, the injury frequency declined in 2009, down by almost 5% from 2008.
“In 2009, our health and safety officers conducted 32% more inspections and wrote 43% more orders. This, combined with more pronounced education efforts and complemented by a social marketing campaign that focused on making workplace injuries a thing of the past, helped to make New Brunswick one of the safest places to work in Canada,” said Roberta Dugas, chair of WorkSafeNB’s board of directors. “I commend New Brunswick’s workers and employers, along with WorkSafeNB’s management and staff, for their continued commitment to improving the safety culture in our province’s workplaces,” Dugas said.
“Our board has demonstrated a high level of fiscal responsibility, that should be applauded by all our stakeholders. Our bottom line has improved substantially, and a return to full-funding means stable assessment rates for the majority of employers and secured benefit payments for injured workers,” said Doug Stanley, WorkSafeNB’s president and CEO. (New Brunswick’s assessment rates continue to remain the lowest in Atlantic Canada.)
“I thank the board for its sound governance and leadership, and recognize the efforts of all our stakeholders – workers, employers, partners, government and the community – who work diligently to help us ensure our vision of healthy and safe workplaces in New Brunswick,” Stanley said.
The 2009 Annual Report is available for download at www.worksafenb.ca.