FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 13, 2019
WorkplaceNL meets its 2018 strategic objectives
St. John’s, NL – WorkplaceNL has met all of its 2018 performance objectives in the areas of financial sustainability, leading in prevention through collaboration and innovation, facilitating recovery at work and partnering in client service.
WorkplaceNL’s injury fund remains fully-funded for the fifth consecutive year. At 119.5 per cent funded at the end of 2018, it has the funds to cover the costs for current and expected future costs of workplace injury claims currently in the system. The funded position is within the 100-120 per cent desired operating range.
Effective January 1, 2019, WorkplaceNL applied a $0.21 temporary discount on assessment rates paid by employers to address the surplus in the injury fund.
“Our Board of Directors remain committed to maintaining a sustainable workplace injury compensation system for workers and employers in Newfoundland and Labrador,” said John Peddle, Chair, Board of Directors, WorkplaceNL. “The recent increase in the income replacement rate, broader coverage for mental health issues, responsible management of the injury fund and our five-year workplace injury prevention strategy respond to the needs of workers and employers in the province.”
“I thank all employers and employer groups, workers and labour groups, training providers, safety sector associations and government for their ongoing commitment to preventing injuries and creating safer workplaces,” Peddle added.
The lost-time incidence rate due to workplace injury or illness in Newfoundland and Labrador in 2018 was at 1.6 per 100 workers. This rate has remained relatively stable for the past five years, at 1.5 or 1.6. This reflects a positive attitude towards workplace safety throughout across the province.
WorkplaceNL’s focus in 2019 will be to explore options to modernize service delivery. Online services for employers are mandatory by the end of 2019. As a result, 96 per cent of the annual employer statements filed with WorkplaceNL this year were submitted via the connect online service. WorkplaceNL will also develop innovative solutions to help prevent workplace injury.
Related Links
WorkplaceNL’s 2018 Annual Performance Report
About WorkplaceNL
Serving approximately 13,000 injured workers and 18,500 employers, WorkplaceNL administers an employer-funded, no-fault insurance system that promotes safe and healthy workplaces, provides return-to-work programs and offers compensation to injured workers and their dependents.
Media contact:
Carla Riggs, Director of Communications
709.778.1590 or carla.riggs@workplacenl.ca