N.W.T., Nunavut WCB set 2012 premium rate • WorkSafeBC introduces new policy on injunctions • WorkSafeBC introduces new policy on injunctions • WCB Alberta making changes to online accounts • N.L. employers can spread WCB payments throughout the year
Northwest Territories and Nunavut
N.W.T., Nunavut WCB set 2012 premium rate
The Workers’ Safety and Compensation Commission of the Northwest Territories and Nunavut has set the 2012 premium rate and maximum insurable earnings for the two territories. The average provisional rate for 2012 has been set at $1.77 per $100 of assessable payroll. The 2012 maximum insurable remuneration in the jurisdiction has been set at $82,720. A rate guide is available online at: www.wscc.nt.ca/Documents/English%20Guide%20-%20FINAL.pdf.
British Columbia
WorkSafeBC introduces new policy on injunctions
WorkSafeBC has implemented a new policy on pursuing injunctions in British Columbia. The policy, which came into effect on Dec. 1, was released for public consultation from June 1 to Sept. 16, 2011. The policy provides guidance to WorkSafeBC on determining when to consider an injunction and the appropriateness of pursuing an injunction. An order is WorkSafeBC’s primary tool to achieve compliance with health and safety requirements. An injunction is a secondary tool to achieve compliance where the B.C. Supreme Court, on application from WorkSafeBC, can order a party to comply. An injunction is an effective tool to achieve compliance with health and safety requirements when other measures are unsuccessful.
Alberta
Requests for WCB Alberta internal reviews now online
A request for an internal review at the Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) Alberta can now be submitted online. Reviews must still be requested within one year from the time and date of the original decision. WCB Alberta offers employers a seminar to help understand and participate effectively in the appeals process. The seminar covers claims appeals and premium-related appeals, and is designed to provide an overview of the appeals process. For dates and locations call (780) 498-4694 in Edmonton or (800) 498-4964 within Alberta.
WCB Alberta making changes to online accounts
The Worker’s Compensation Board of Alberta has made changes to its self-service account management system. The changes are in account registration and changes to WCB account information online and annual return. The changes are designed to make it easier and more convenient to do business with the board, said the WCB. Employers can access WCB account information on more Internet browsers, including Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome, Opera and Safari. Employers already using myWCB will no longer have to log on twice to access online account management services. The user ID and password employers use to sign on to myWCB will now give employers access to account management services.
Newfoundland and Labrador
N.L. employers can spread WCB payments throughout the year
The Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission (WHSCC) of Newfoundland and Labrador is introducing an enhanced deferred payment plan which will allow all employers to spread payments throughout the year, interest-free. Starting in 2012, all eligible employers will be able to spread equal payments over the calendar year, according to the WHSCC. The period from January to March is payment-free for new assessment bills. For the remaining nine months employers may set up equal payment plans using pre-authorized debit. Employers can choose their assessment payment interval as weekly, bi-weekly, semi-monthly, monthly or quarterly.
