Workers Compensation Board President and CEO Doug Sexsmith (centre)
New time loss injuries were down nine per cent in 2009 and are down about the same this year, Workers Compensation Board President and CEO Doug Sexsmith told about 35 members of the Manitoba Employers Council at a meeting hosted by The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce.
Since 2000, the time loss injury rate per 100 full-time employees has dropped by 32 per cent to 3.8 (preliminary) in 2009, Sexsmith said, adding more attention is being paid to safety.
However, among the provinces, Manitoba is still at the higher end, he said.
Part of that could be because Manitoba has an older workforce and a mix of higher-risk industries. For instance, many of Ontario’s manufacturing facilities are automated.
The economic recovery can also lead to an increase in injuries as more inexperienced workers enter the workforce.
Manitoba trends show that 60 to 65 per cent of injuries are musculoskeletal, and again an aging workforce is a contributing factor, he said.
Starting this month, the WCB will be targeting small employers in the healthcare sector – chiropractors, physiotherapists, doctors’ offices and clinics – for optional WCB coverage.
Currently, 70-75 per cent of Manitoba employers have mandatory coverage.
WCB Five Year Plan 2010-2014
To learn more about The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce check out its website here.
