Spring Cleaning: Improving Safety in the Workplace
The clocks have sprung forward and Spring is just around the corner! Longer days with increased sunlight bring a sense of awakening and rejuvenation, a fresh look, and a fresh start. It’s time to start planning some spring cleaning and not only at home but at work as well. And it’s not just about clearing the dust, dirt and grime of winter away, this is an excellent opportunity to address health and safety in the workplace. A proactive, preventative approach can remove hazards, reduce risks, improve wellness and increase productivity. Prevention is key to reducing on-the-job incidents and accidents; with a good spring cleaning it can be as simple as 1,2,3: 1. Clean and Declutter: Deep cleaning all carpets, floors, walls, surfaces and equipment can stop the spread of bacteria, germs and allergens. A clean work environment is a healthy work environment. Taking the time to declutter workstations and worksites […]
The Beat Goes On: February is Heart Health Month
February 14th is Valentine’s Day which is associated with hearts, no wonder February has been adopted as Heart Month. We all know that heart health is important and we can all probably recite the facts by heart: Cardiovascular disease is the 2nd leading cause of death in Canada, Men are more likely to die of a heart attack than women, One in 12 Canadians over the age of 20 live with diagnosed heart disease, High blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes are contributing risk factors, A healthier lifestyle can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease Healthy lifestyle habits include: Eating better Getting more exercise Quitting smoking Limiting alcohol consumption Maintaining a healthy weight Reducing stress As repetitious and tedious as this may seem, the reality is that every one of us will likely be affected by cardiovascular disease, either directly or indirectly, at some point in our lives and the […]
No Time Loss (NTL) Claims Cost Threshold Increase 2019
(*Note: As of January 1, 2022, the No Time Loss cost threshold has been increased to $1800. For more information, please refer to our recent blog here.) Earlier this month, the WCB Alberta announced an increase to the cost threshold used to exclude No Time Loss (NTL) claims from the experience rating calculations that establish WCB premiums. The threshold is subject to annual review and although cost threshold increases are not usually a benefit to employers, an increase to the NTL claims cost threshold is. For claims occurring in 2019, the threshold will increase from $1,400 to $1,500. Claims occurring in 2019 will first be used for experience rating calculations in 2021. For NTL claims occurring in 2017 and 2018, the threshold is $1,400. For claims occurring in 2016, the threshold is $1,300. For claims occurring in 2015 and prior years, the threshold used is $1,000. What is an NTL […]
10 Things to Check on Your 2019 WCB Premium Rate Statement
If you haven’t seen it already, your 2019 Premium Rate Statement should be available shortly. This statement not only advises you of the WCB Premium rate you have been assessed at for the coming year but provides you with the information used to calculate your rate. According to current information, the average WCB 2019 premium rate in has gone down in Saskatchewan, increased in Alberta and remained the same in Manitoba and British Columbia, as compared to the 2018 levels. The rate-setting process is complex and even the smallest change in the data used can have a significant impact on the number of premiums you pay. It is important to consider the following questions while reviewing your statement: Is your company name/address correct? Have your operations or business changed? Are you classified in the most appropriate Industry? Has your industry code changed? Are you being assessed a surcharge? For Alberta […]