Yukon decreases workers’ compensation assessment rates for 2012 • Alberta distracted driving legislation in effect • Mandatory fall protection training in Newfoundland and Labrador • P.E.I. WCB clarifies policy on calling out workers in an emergency situation
Yukon decreases workers’ compensation assessment rates for 2012
Yukon employers will see a decrease in assessment rates for all groups in 2012, according to the Yukon Workers’ Compensation Health and Safety Board (YWCHSB). Improving safety practices and return to work outcomes for injured workers are contributing to the prevention of disabilities. These are the key factors that led to the board’s decision to lower rates, according to the YWCHSB. The board was able to lower the amount of administration costs within the average assessment rate for 2012 to $1.04 from $1.10 in 2011. This also contributed to the board’s decision to set the average target assessment rate for 2012 at $2.39 compared to $2.49 in 2011. Specific assessment rates are established based on an actuarial analysis of claims costs and assessable payroll. Strong economic growth in Yukon in 2011 has led to year-end projected numbers of about 600 additional employers and about 2,600 more workers in 2011 compared to 2010. Despite these increases, the lost-time injury rate is expected to remain constant or lower than the 2010 rate of about 2.2 per 100 covered workers, according to the YWCHSB. The nine rate groups will receive rate decreases ranging from five per cent to 22 per cent, with an average decrease for all industry groups of 13.4 per cent.
Alberta distracted driving legislation in effect
Drivers in Alberta caught texting, reading or brushing their hair can be fined $172 now that the province’s distracted driving legislation is in effect. The Alberta government has passed distracted driving legislation which came into effect on Sept. 1. Bill 16, the Traffic Safety (Distracted Driving) Amendment Act, restricts the use of hand-held cellphones and activities including using a hand-held phone, texting, reading, writing and personal grooming, and puts restrictions on using other electronic devices while driving. This legislation permits the use of hands-free phones. Also, radio communication devices such as CB radios are allowed for commercial purposes and search and rescue services. Drivers may use hand-held devices to contact emergency services — like 911 — and this legislation does not affect the official duties of emergency service personnel including law enforcement, fire and medical services. The proposed fine is $172 with no demerit points.
Mandatory fall protection training in Newfoundland and Labrador
Starting next year, Newfoundland and Labrador workers using fall protection equipment must have fall protection training, according to the Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission (WHSCC). Newfoundland and Labrador Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, section 139 says a worker shall not use fall protection equipment after Jan. 1, 2012, unless he has completed a fall protection training program prescribed by the WHSCC. Training must be a minimum of 16 hours and consist of eight hours of theory and eight hours of individualized practical training. Workers will be required to re-certify every three years.
P.E.I. WCB clarifies policy on calling out workers in an emergency situation
The Workers Compensation Board (WCB) of Prince Edward Island has amended its emergency callout of workers policy to make it clearer when coverage begins and ends in an emergency situation. The policy, which hadn’t been amended since it was originally approved in January 2006, details the situations when a volunteer firefighter is considered to be in the course of employment and when a worker is considered to be in the course of employment in emergency situations, according to the WCB. A worker is considered to be in the course of employment when he first becomes aware of the emergency and is required to travel from his employer’s workplace or to some other place where the job has to be done. The worker continues to be in the course of employment until he returns to one of the following places: home, the place where the call was received or any place for refreshment or recreation.
