MESSAGE FROM RALPH TUCKER, BOARD CHAIR, WHSCC

Safety involves everyone.

We all share the responsibility to prevent workplace injuries. Safety starts with you.

Ralph Tucker

Chairperson, WHSCC

and CEO Safety Charter Advocate

Together, we have achieved a remarkable turn-around in the workplace injury compensation system in Newfoundland and Labrador.

In 2000, our system was near bankruptcy. By working with our stakeholders, a Funding Policy was developed to addressissues impacting the long-term financial health of the system. Based on this policy, a 25 cent surcharge in the assessment rate for all employers was introduced in 2008 to cover past unfunded liabilities.

The Commission’s financial position continued to grow in 2014. We now have a system that addresses financial sustainability, a requirement of both workers and employers.

At $1.1 billion, the injury fund is the highest it has ever been. In 2014 our maximum wage-loss benefit of $60,760 for injured workers was the highest in Atlantic Canada.

Our funded position of 112 per cent exceeds the 110 per cent target established in the Funding Policy. As the target has been achieved, removal of the $0.25 surcharge will be considered during the 2016 rate-setting exercise.

This does not mean that we can relax when it comes to workplace safety. For the third year in a row, the lost-time incidence rate has remained at an historical low of 1.6 injuries per 100 workers. Yes, thisis a far cry from the high of 5.16 in 1989. But the rate is no longer declining, we have hit a plateau.

I’m calling on everyone – workers, employers, their respective stakeholders, government, safety sector councils and the Commission – to push us past this plateau. We all share the responsibilityto prevent workplace injuries, to educate and train on workplace health and safety, and to use safe work practices. Now, more than ever, we need to find more creative ways to make a difference.

I would like to thank our partners, CEO Safety Charter members, and the Board of Directors, management and staff of the Commission for their hard work during our journey towards financial sustainability and a strong safety culture.

Ralph Tucker

Chairperson, Board of Directors Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission