WCB report shows fewer Saskatchewan workers off the job due to accidents

May 2, 2016 – The 2015 annual report from the Saskatchewan Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) shows a “year of stability and growth” as on-the-job injuries resulting in lost time declined 2.07 per cent in 2015 to their lowest level in more than two decades.

“We’re pleased to report that our 2015 operating results demonstrate that we continue to meet our obligations in serving both employers and injured workers and that we remain committed to improving the processes necessary to deliver our services,” said Gord Dobrowolsky, WCB chair. “This year, we exceeded our target of reducing workplace injuries. The total injury rate (per 100 workers) declined from 6.99 in 2014 to 6.30 in 2015. This is arguably one of the greatest successes of the past year and brings us that much closer to reaching Mission: Zero which is to eliminate all workplace injuries.”

The report also shows Saskatchewan now has the fourth-highest injury rate in Canada, down from second place in 2013.

As well, workplace fatalities declined from 39 in 2014 to 32 last year. There were more than 25,000 accepted injury claims last year, with trucking, manufacturing and health care leading the way. Overall, 87 per cent of workplaces were free of any injury reports.

“We’re the first to admit that we have a long way to go as we strive to better serve our customers — the workers and employers of Saskatchewan,” said Dobrowolsky. “Our customers deserve excellent service and this is what we are working towards.”

WCB CEO, Peter Federko agreed noting that every workplace injury is preventable and every workplace death is preventable. “Employers across the province are embracing the fact that workplace injuries can be eliminated and many now recognize that while it starts with leadership, everyone has a role to play in maintaining a safe workplace.”

“The decrease in injury rates that we saw again in 2015 is due to the employers and workers in the province who continue to commit themselves to workplace safety,” Federko said.

According to The Canadian Press, only British Columbia, Manitoba and the Northwest Territories have higher injury rates than Saskatchewan.

— With files from The Canadian Press