August Issue of Safe + Secure

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The August edition was published this week. You can read it below, but even better, sign up now so you never miss an issue.

 
  

Help keep your employees safe and secure from workplace injury. Here are some practical tips and resources to help you strengthen your company’s safety culture: 
   

Doing business with WCB just got easier. Faster service and quicker access to claim information, with less faxing, mail and phone. We now provide online services to workers and employers. The new service channels are available through WCB’s website, allowing 24/7 access to account information, claim details, and more. We also offer secure messaging, and links to resources that can support safe and timely return to the workplace. More features will be added as the WCB’s modernization moves forward. 

 How safe is your workplace? Take our 8-question safety maturity survey to find out. You’ll also find plenty of useful resources to help you strengthen your health and safety policies and practices. Get started on improving your company’s safety culture today!

Too many Nova Scotians are hurt caring for others. Did you know that workers in home care and long-term care are more likely to be injured on the job than those in other industries? We are working in partnership with a number of stakeholders to help change this through the Workplace Safety Action Plan. We’ve also developed the PACE video series to help reduce the risk of injury for home care workers. Check out the videos and share them with someone you know.

•  Do you understand WCB assessment rates? Rates for WCB insurance are much like other insurance rates – those with positive experience pay less than those with poor experience. Do you understand the factors that can influence rates? This video takes you through the process. You can also read about the different steps involved, how surcharges work, and view an example of an Experience Rating Statement here

• Supporting better return-to-work outcomes. In Nova Scotia, more than 770,000 days are lost annually to workplace injury. Safe and timely return to work takes a team effort where workers, employers, service providers and medical professionals all play an important role. 
              
  Working to Well, an online hub for workers, has success stories, and information on what to expect from all members of the return-to-work team. An employer toolkit with best practices is also available. Working to Well was developed in partnership with our colleagues at WorkplaceNL, WorkSafeNB, and the WCB of PEI.

• Safety conversations for young workers. Talking about safety needs to start early. Lots of young workers will have part-time jobs while they’re in school, and it’s always good to remind them to work safely and understanding their rights. Workers under age 25 are more likely to be injured on the job. And because they are eager to please in new roles, young workers can be hesitant to ask questions or refuse unsafe work, which can lead to serious injury. Check out our resources for young workers. There’s information for supervisors too. 

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