Number of firms surcharged increases
September 7, 2010 – Halifax, NS – Just over half of WCB-covered employers in Nova Scotia will see their rates for workplace injury insurance decrease or hold steady next year, the WCB announced this week.
Meanwhile, the number of employers receiving rate surcharges based on their claims costs is increasing by about 16 per cent over last year.
“These numbers indicate that on the whole, we’re seeing pockets of improvement in the symptoms of Nova Scotia’s workplace injury epidemic,” said WCB Chief Executive Officer, Nancy MacCready-Williams.
“Still, we are far from a cure. There are too many clear instances of injury’s human and financial impact, and there is still real need for improvement.
Rates are decreasing or holding steady for 52 per cent of employers, while 48 per cent will see an increase. The average rate of $2.65 per $100 of assessable payroll, remains unchanged. Rates are based on the overall claims cost in an industry, combined with a firm’s own experience. They range from a low of $0.60 to a high of $10.15 per $100 of payroll in 2011.
Ninety-two employers will receive a surcharge in 2011, up from 79 in 2010. Surcharges help to more fairly allocate the costs of Nova Scotia’s workplace injury, and they provide strong encouragement for employers to make improvements in their safety and return-to-work performance.
To be surcharged, an employer’s claims costs must be at least three times their industry average for at least four consecutive years. Surcharges are cumulative and can add an additional 20 per cent to a firm’s base rate each year.
Employers receive two warnings – one in each of the preceding two years - before they are surcharged. As a result of a workplace fatality resulting from a car crash in 2008, the WCB is among the 253 employers receiving a surcharge warning notice.
“Sometimes it’s easy to think that those who work in an office environment are not susceptible to workplace hazards. But workplace injury can happen to anyone. Over the past two years, we have been humbled, saddened and moved to action by the tragic loss of one of our own,” says MacCready-Williams.
“We encourage all employers to read their experience rating statement closely, and to act upon it toward improving the health and safety of their workplaces, and the province as a whole.”
Background: Surcharged Employers in 2011
2011 Rate Announcement At a Glance:
Rates in general
- The average rate is unchanged at $2.65 per $100 of payroll
- 46% of firms are paying less
- 6% are seeing no change
- 48% are paying more
- Rates range from $0.65 to $10.15 per $100 of assessable payroll.
- Rates for the feed industry, wood products manufacturing, and general repairs and towing, among others, have seen significant increases.
- Rates in construction framing, fish processing, fruit and vegetable processing, bakeries, and for beverage container recycling and refund operators, among others, have seen significant decreases.
Surcharges
- 92 surcharges, up from 79 in 2010
- 46 for the first time
- 22 for the second time
- 8 for the third time
- 16 for the fourth time
Warnings
- 166 first warnings. With no improvement , first surcharge could apply in 2013
- 87 second warnings. With no improvement, first surcharge could apply in 2012.
Improvements
- 137 firms who received a surcharge or warning last year are no longer on the surcharge or warning lists.
About the WCB
The Workers’ Compensation Board of Nova Scotia (WCB) is committed to keeping Nova Scotians safe and secure from workplace injury. The WCB provides workplace injury insurance for more than 18,000 employers, representing about 300,000 workers across the province. The WCB sets the standard for workplace injury insurance by informing and inspiring Nova Scotians in the prevention of workplace injury. If an injury occurs, we support those whose lives it touches by championing a timely return to safe and healthy work.
For more information contact:
Mary Kingston
Director, Communications & Marketing
902.491.8101 (p)
mary.kingston@wcb.gov.ns.ca