We’ve changed our name!

WorkSafeNB–it’s shorter, easier to remember but, more importantly, it plainly states who we are and what we stand for.

“The name was changed to better reflect our focus on injury prevention,” said Doug Stanley, president & CEO. “We hope it will draw the attention of New Brunswick’s workers and employers to the need to work safely, and to encourage a safe and timely return to work for injured workers,” Stanley said.

“Any responsibility I feel comes from the position itself, and gender has nothing to do with it. I don’t have to prove myself as a woman in the position, but rather, I must prove myself as a leader and advocate on behalf of both the workers and employers of New Brunswick.”

Continued

It’s been almost 15 years since the merger of the Workers’ Compensation Board and the New Brunswick Occupational Health and Safety Commission to become the Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission (established under the WHSCC Act in December 1994), but New Brunswickers were still not using the WHSCC name. The WHSCC was still referred to as “Workers Comp” or even “Workman’s Comp.” Focus groups told us that the WHSCC name was too long and difficult to remember, and many did not recognize the name or know what it stood for. These same focus groups unanimously approved the WorkSafeNB name. Some of the comments included:

““Doesn’t sound so official; friendlier than an abbreviation.” “People will remember it.” “WorkSafe NB – makes a lot of sense; with more prevention we wouldn’t need compensation.” “With NB as part of the name we know it’s dedicated to New Brunswickers.

The Workers’ Compensation Board of British Columbia (WorkSafeBC) were first to adopt the WorkSafe name (in 2004), and other boards are considering doing the same.

“ It is our hope that all Canadian boards will eventually assume the WorkSafe name,” said Roberta Dugas, chair of the WHSCC’s board of directors. “ Research shows that 61% of Canadians and, in particular, 69% of New Brunswickers believe that workplace injuries are an inevitable part of work. This is deeply distressing. We believe the WorkSafe name will help shift New Brunswickers’ and Canadians’ attitudes about workplace injuries from “unavoidable” to “unacceptable. We encourage you to help us reach this by recognizing and using our new name – WorkSafeNB,” Dugas said.

WorkSafeNB now appears on all signage and stationery, but to ensure a cost-effective transition, we will continue to use our current WHSCC-branded pamphlets, posters and other printed materials until supplies are used up. The Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission will remain our legal name.