No Time Loss Claims Cost Threshold Increase
On January 12, 2021, the Alberta Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) announced that the claims cost threshold for No Time Loss (NTL) claims would remain at $1,500, the same as it has been since 2019 when the amount was raised from $1,400. But how does that impact WCB premiums? Although WCB cost threshold increases are not usually a benefit to employers, an increase to the NTL claims cost threshold is. What is a No Time Loss claim? The WCB defines a NTL claim as a situation where, following a work-related accident, an injured worker returns to regular duties without losing time from work beyond the day of accident and does not sustain a permanent disability. Medical costs and other benefits are issued but no income replacement payments are made. Employers are responsible to pay full wages for the day the accident occurred, therefore if time loss from work is necessary to […]
Drug and Alcohol Policies in the Workplace
If the government holds true to it’s word, despite the controversy, marijuana could be legal in Canada by National Marijuana Day, April 20th. Whether you agree or not, the reality of the legalization of cannabis can not be ignored nor can the impact this may have on the workplace. Does the legalization of marijuana change the concept of a ‘smoke break’ or a ‘two martini lunch’? What about company social functions? Workplace alcohol and drug testing? An employer’s obligation for tolerance and what recourse do they have? It is well documented that the risk of accident and injury increases dramatically when associated with the use of, and/or intoxication from alcohol or drugs, either prescribed, legal or otherwise. The health and safety of everyone in the workplace can be affected by a single person’s behaviour while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Beyond the obvious medical impact that an accident […]