WorkSafeNB has released its 2012 Annual Report to the New Brunswick legislature, with highlights including a reduction in workplace injuries, a 96.5% return to work rate, falling assessment rates and full funding status – factors that all contribute to a stable workers’ compensation system.
“Fewer workplace injuries is good news for New Brunswick workers and their families,” said Sharon Tucker, chair of WorkSafeNB’s board of directors. “I’m proud that New Brunswick is one of the safest places to work in Canada. Since 2001, injury rates are down by more than 30%. These stats are evidence that our prevention strategies are working and that attitudes are changing. And while measures like increased workplace health and safety inspections play a role, I believe our partnerships with stakeholders and our provincial counterparts are key in promoting culture change across the region.”
As a result of lower than budgeted claims and administration costs, WorkSafeNB recorded an operating surplus of $101 million, resulting in a funded position of 126.7%. The strong funding position has allowed for a decrease in the provisional average assessment, from $1.70 in 2012 to $1.44 for 2013. This rate continues to remain the lowest east of Manitoba, said WorkSafeNB president and CEO, Gerard Adams.
“It is good news for employers, certainly, but even from the labour movement's point of view, that money allows those employers to expand their operations, to hire more people, to pay more to their existing staff. All those flexibilities exist because they're paying less in assessments. But most importantly, the numbers mean that more New Brunswickers are returning home safely from work to their loved ones everyday.
“I congratulate New Brunswick’s workers and employers who helped us achieve these results by reducing injuries and lost-time claims and claim durations. And I thank WorkSafeNB’s board of directors, management and staff for their continued commitment and hard work toward our vision of healthy and safe workplaces in New Brunswick.”
Looking ahead, WorkSafeNB will continue to collaborate with its Atlantic Canadian counterparts to create efficiencies with respect to communications campaigns and other areas of business.
The 2012 Annual Report is available online at www.worksafenb.ca.