WCB’s 2009 Annual Report Focuses on Injury Reduction, Improved Financial Position

(WINNIPEG) – The Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba (WCB) released its 2009 Annual Report today. It noted progress in workplace injury prevention and improved investment performance, in addition to showcasing how, when an injury occurs, the WCB supports a timely and safe return to health and meaningful work. The WCB also released its 2010–2014 Five Year Plan.

Along with its partners at the Workplace Safety and Health Division and in the community, the WCB continued to promote injury prevention and return to health and work initiatives. 2009 activities featured a youth campaign that focused on the second part of the SAFE Work personal risk management model: Assess the Risk. As well, last fall the WCB launched a campaign about how to prevent musculoskeletal injuries.

“Ongoing injury prevention efforts helped to decrease the time loss injury rate to an estimated 3.8 time loss injuries per 100 workers in 2009, which was down from 4.0 in 2008,” says WCB President and CEO Doug Sexsmith. Since 2000, the time loss injury rate has decreased by 32 per cent.

The WCB’s bottom line showed total income of $80 million, more than doubling reserves, despite a loss of $18 million on the operating line.  These results were due to strong investment growth and good cost performance.

In 2009, the WCB welcomed over 2,000 new employers and about 10,000 new workers into the compensation system. “We will continue to support all Manitoba employers and workers to change the belief that workplace injuries are inevitable,” says Sexsmith.

The Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba is a mutual workplace injury and disability insurance agency funded by employer premiums. With a mandate to prevent workplace injuries and illnesses, the WCB is committed to building a culture of health and safety in Manitoba through the SAFE Work program and community partnerships. Workplace injuries and illnesses are preventable but should they occur, the WCB is here to help injured workers, their families and employers.

Contact:

Warren Preece

Director of Communications

Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba

(204)-954-4113

1-800-362-3340

Email: wcb@wcb.mb.ca