The Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba (WCB), Canada was recently noted as one of Manitoba's Top 25 Employers for 2012, according to the agency. Congratulations!
The WCB was chosen for this list based on an extensive entry submitted to Mediacorp Canada, Inc. A blue-ribbon panel, comprised of human resource academics from across Canada, judged each entry on the workplace programs and initiatives outlined in submissions.[WCx]
"Inclusion in this list confirmed what so many of us already knew — the WCB is a great place to work, whether you are starting your career or are a seasoned professional with years of experience," said WCB President and CEO Doug Sexsmith.
Sexsmith added the WCB places a high value on satisfying work experiences for its staff, based on the four pillars of its recruitment and retention brand, WCB Does: security, wellness, engagement and growth. "Those four factors are our strengths as an employer of choice," Sexsmith said.
The benefits of working at the WCB are reflected in the organization's low voluntary turnover rate of 1.4 percent. Successful staff retention and recruitment can be attributed to a number of factors, including an attractive benefit package, progressive work/life balance initiatives, fitness programs, staff feedback mechanisms, opportunities for professional growth and challenging work. [WCx]
"Our management and union have worked together for many years to build a workplace that not only benefits our workers but our stakeholders as well," Sexsmith said. "Our staff does very important work in Manitoba and we want to create an atmosphere that helps them succeed. After all, how our employees feel is also how our customers will feel."
Do not use this information without independent verification. All state laws vary. You should consult with your insurance broker or agent about workers comp issues.
©2012 Amaxx Risk Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved under International Copyright Law. If you would like permission to reprint this material, contact us at: Info@ReduceYourWorkersComp.com.
According to new research conducted by a team from Cardiff University (Wales), half of those British workers surveyed have been ill-treated in the last two years.
The survey reports 4.9 percent of workers were victims of violence while 22.3 percent said they were treated in a disrespectful or rude way. Twenty-seven percent said they felt ignored. The study used data from face-to-face interviews with 3,979 workers, and the data, provided for the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), was to be presented at a London conference.(WCxKit)
The report, "Insight into ill-treatment in the workplace: patterns, causes and solutions," was written by academics from Cardiff University's School of Social Sciences and Prof Duncan Lewis at the University of Plymouth Business School. It is based on data from the British Workplace Behaviour Survey, obtained in 2008 from interviews by the market research company TNS Global.
The team also looked in-depth at four large employers, using them as case studies. Workers in the public sector were reported to be "particularly at risk" of rudeness, disrespect, violence and injury. (WCxKit)
The majority of attackers involved in violent incidents were said to be from outside the workplace, with 72% of assailants being customers, clients or members of the public. Workers in health, social work, education, public administration and defense faced the highest risk.
Meantime, staff in the private sector
was more likely to suffer assaults by colleagues, while disabled employees, those with long-term health problems and younger staff are all more likely to experience ill treatment at work, as were lesbian, gay and bisexual workers.
The survey found that permanent staff with managerial responsibilities is more likely to experience what was described as "unreasonable treatment" and violence in the workplace.(WCxKit)
The report notes some 7,000,000 to 8,000,000 British workers suffer from "impossible workloads" and "not being listened to". Managers and supervisors were blamed for two-thirds of incidents of unreasonable behavior but could also be victims of the same treatment.
Author Robert Elliott, executive vice president, Amaxx Risk Solutions, Inc. has worked successfully for 20 years with many industries to reduce Workers Compensation costs, including airlines, healthcare, printing/publishing, pharmaceuticals, retail, hospitality and manufacturing. See www.LowerWC.com for more information. Contact: Info@ReduceYourWorkersComp.com.
Do not use this information without independent verification. All state laws vary. You should consult with your insurance broker or agent about workers comp issues.
©2011 Amaxx Risk Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved under International Copyright Law. If you would like permission to reprint this material, contact Info@ReduceYourWorkersComp.com.
Great Britain and Ireland’s Unite labor union has vowed to ‘leave no stone unturned’ in its efforts to get the answers to vital safety questions as its members and workers at the Port of Tilbury grieve the loss of a comrade and union representative who was tragically killed in a recent workplace accident.
"A close and loving family has lost a husband and father and his colleagues have lost a truly wonderful friend, Unite spokesperson Andy Green stated in a release. “They only want to help in this tragedy and to learn what happened and why, that is not too much to ask. (WCxKit)
“Our members are deeply shocked that the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has not responded to calls from Unite representatives at the port to launch an investigation, and that the company has chosen not to conduct a joint investigation alongside the Unite safety representatives, as set out in the company's own health and safety policy.
"We are at a loss then to know why the HSE will not speak to us; its behavior is nothing short of shameful. However, we have been touched by the kind words of condolence from dockworkers in every port throughout the UK. Our union will always fight for truth and justice and to help the loved ones left behind who have to bear the real burden of workplace deaths."
Speaking on National Inspection Day, which is supported throughout Europe, Unite's national officer for docks, Julia Long, called for health and safety action across all ports to reflect the dangers within the port industry. "The government has set the ports as a 'low risk' industry. This tragic incident shows that the government needs to have a rethink on its position. We are calling for the company to carry out a full investigation with our health and safety reps fully involved,” Long remarked. (WCxKit)
“Unite will leave no stone unturned in its efforts to understand how this terrible accident was able to happen. We now call on the HSE and port management to work with us and immediately launch an urgent joint investigation into what happened,” Long added.
Author Robert Elliott, executive vice president, Amaxx Risk Solutions, Inc. has worked successfully for 20 years with many industries to reduce Workers Compensation costs, including airlines, healthcare, printing/publishing, pharmaceuticals, retail, hospitality and manufacturing. See www.LowerWC.com for more information. Contact: Info@ReduceYourWorkersComp.com.
Do not use this information without independent verification. All state laws vary. You should consult with your insurance broker or agent about workers comp issues.
©2011 Amaxx Risk Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved under International Copyright Law. If you would like permission to reprint this material, contact Info@ReduceYourWorkersComp.com.
Britain's safety watchdog is challenging the construction industry to learn from the London 2012 construction project and improve the safety record of one of the most dangerous occupations in Britain.
A report from the Health and Safety Executive's Leadership and worker involvement on the Olympic Park research, published recently, shows how the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) adopted an inclusive no scapegoating approach to managing risks that could be adapted to any project – irrespective of its size or budget. It is the first in a series of research reports that HSE will publish as part of the London 2012 Learning Legacy. (WCxKit)
HSE started working with the ODA soon after London was awarded the 2012 Olympic and Paralympics Games and set out very clear targets of what standards were expected, encouraging strong leadership and sharing of good practice. The ODA's top level commitment to health and safety was made clear from the outset and helped create a safe working environment for the thousands of workers on site.
The London 2012 Games construction project has shown that building projects on time and within budget does not mean compromising on the health and safety of your workers. HSE has received reports of only 114 injuries and eight dangerous occurrences that occurred during the 66 million hours of work, as of October 2011.
Stephen Williams, HSE's director for London 2012, noted, "The report shows how strong leadership and worker involvement are key to a safer working environment. The ODA's creation of a no scapegoating culture allowed workers to raise issues without fear of reprisal, learning lessons to apply across the site and reducing the risk in hazardous activities.
"The construction industry has for many years been one of the most dangerous in which to earn a living. London 2012 is important because it shows it doesn't have to be that way. No matter what size your organization, no matter what size your project, small changes in the way you operate can have a huge impact on the health and safety of your workers. (WCxKit)
“I want the rest of the construction industry to follow London's lead.”
Author Robert Elliott, executive vice president, Amaxx Risk Solutions, Inc. has worked successfully for 20 years with many industries to reduce Workers Compensation costs, including airlines, healthcare, printing/publishing, pharmaceuticals, retail, hospitality and manufacturing. See www.LowerWC.com for more information. Contact: Info@ReduceYourWorkersComp.com.
Author Rebecca Shafer
, JD, President of Amaxx Risk Solutions, Inc. is a national expert in the field of workers compensation. She is a writer, speaker, and website publisher. Her expertise is working with employers to reduce workers compensation costs, and her clients include airlines, healthcare, printing/publishing, pharmaceuticals, retail, hospitality, and manufacturing. She is the author of the #1 selling book on cost containment, Manage Your Workers Compensation: Reduce Costs 20-50% www.WCManual.com.
Contact: RShafer@ReduceYourWorkersComp.com.
Do not use this information without independent verification. All state laws vary. You should consult with your insurance broker or agent about workers comp issues.
©2011 Amaxx Risk Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved under International Copyright Law. If you would like permission to reprint this material, contact Info@ReduceYourWorkersComp.com
We're writing about yet another unguarded machine accident… there are too many of these around the world. Manufacturers of machinery and employers need to pay close attention to making sure all machines were guarded, employees/supervisors are trained and there were warnings for those few times the guards had to be removed.
Here are the facts we know about this accident.
British chocolate chain Thorntons has been fined after a worker broke her finger while operating a wrapping machine.
According to a report from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
, Ellen Yardley, 37, from Derbyshire was working at the company’s Somercotes plant on a foil wrapping machine, where chocolates were wrapped in foil and dispensed down a chute into a tray.
During a short break in production, while the machine was still running, Ms Yardley attempted to clean the inside of the output chute which had become covered in caramel. However, the cloth she was using became tangled in rotating parts which gripped the chocolates and her right hand was dragged into the machine. (WCxKit)
Yardley’s middle finger was fractured and cut, and she was off work for 10 weeks following the incident.An investigation by HSE found the machine had guarding installed but it was inadequate.
A subsequent audit of other machines in the factory found safety improvements were necessary to a range of machines, including preventing access to dangerous parts or repairs to existing safeguards.
Thorntons PLC, of Thornton Park, Somercotes, Derbyshire, pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 11(1) of the Provision and Use of
Work Equipment Regulations 1998 and Regulation 3(1) (a) of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.(WCxKit)
Southern Derbyshire Magistrates’ Court fined the company $30,000 (20,000 GBP) and ordered it to pay full costs of $12,000 (7,680 GBP).
Do not use this information without independent verification. All state laws vary. You should consult with your insurance broker or agent about workers comp issues.
©2012 Amaxx Risk Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved under International Copyright Law. If you would like permission to reprint this material, contact us at: Info@ReduceYourWorkersComp.com.
Justice was served recently on a Glen Eden, New Zealand woman who evaded several previous Court appearances to face charges of defrauding the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC).
According to a report from ACC, Emi Tuala, a 44-year-old solo mother, appeared in the Waitakere District Court and was convicted of nine charges under the Crimes Act, and two charges under the ACC Act. (WCxKit)
Tuala was sentenced to six months’ supervision, three months’ community detention and was ordered to pay reparation of $6,939.89. She must also complete a budgeting course, and observe a nightly curfew during the period of community detention.
The charges related to a seven-month period between 2003 and 2004, during which Tuala was paid weekly compensation on the basis that an injury prevented her from working. ACC investigations subsequently revealed that Tuala had worked full-time throughout this period.
During the same period, Tuala also claimed reimbursement for home help costs that she never incurred. (WCxKit)
Tuala was originally summoned to appear in Court in February 2005. After she failed to appear, a warrant for her arrest was issued. She failed to attend subsequent Court hearings and further arrest warrants were issued.
Author Robert Elliott, executive vice president, Amaxx Risk Solutions, Inc. has worked successfully for 20 years with many industries to reduce Workers Compensation costs, including airlines, healthcare, printing/publishing, pharmaceuticals, retail, hospitality and manufacturing. See www.LowerWC.com for more information. Contact: Info@ReduceYourWorkersComp.com.
Do not use this information without independent verification. All state laws vary. You should consult with your insurance broker or agent about workers comp issues.
©2011 Amaxx Risk Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved under International Copyright Law. If you would like permission to reprint this material, contact
An experienced technician at a plastic products factory in Cornwall, Great Britain was killed after he was crushed between the plates on a machine used to make plastic lids.
According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), Shaun O' Dwyer, 54, originally from North Yorkshire, but living in Redruth died in the incident on May 30, 2008 at Curver UK Ltd's factory on Cardew Industrial Estate.
HSE prosecuted Curver UK Ltd., (formerly Contico Europe Ltd.) for failing to provide adequate safety measures.
Truro Crown Court heard that in preparing the machinery O'Dwyer needed to access the plastic moldings machine's plates. This was normally done via a guard which, when opened, prevented the machine from operating. However in this case one of the conveyors on the machine had been removed and O'Dwyer was able to access the machine through an unguarded gap. Whilst he was inside the machine the press started to operate and the plates closed crushing him at a pressure of over 1,000 tons.
HSE Inspector Trevor Hay noted, "This tragic incident could have been avoided if the company had observed standard industry guidance from the British Plastics Federation and the British Standards Institution. Users of such machinery should ensure effective safeguards are in place to avoid further deaths or injuries to their workers."(WCxKit)
Curver UK Ltd of York Gate, London, pleaded guilty to committing a breach of Regulation 11 (1) of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations under Section 33(1) (c) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and was fined £160,000 ($245,000) and ordered to pay £32,000 ($49,000) costs.
Do not use this information without independent verification. All state laws vary. You should consult with your insurance broker or agent about workers comp issues.
©2012 Amaxx Risk Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved under International Copyright Law. If you would like permission to reprint this material, contact us at: Info@ReduceYourWorkersComp.com.
A building firm and a contractor in North Yorkshire, Great Britain were recently fined after a worker was injured following a fall while working on the construction of a new farm building, according to a report from The Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
The 36-year-old worker, who asked not to be named, was employed by Stephen Ramsey, trading as Up & Cover, who had been subcontracted by Waddington Buildings Limited to carry out steel erection work and cladding on the building at Brierton North Farm, Billingham. Both Ramsey andWaddington Buildings Limited were prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). (WCxKit)
Teesside Magistrates’ Court was told the worker was standing on a pallet fitted to a fork attachment of a tractor, which was lifted to heights of around four and a half meters to allow the worker to measure and fit guttering to the building. The court heard the tractor was being operated by Stephen Ramsey when it unexpectedly moved with the pallet in a raised position causing the worker to lose his balance and fall to the ground.
He spent 15 days in a hospital after his left heel was smashed and his right ankle was fractured and treatment is still ongoing.
HSE’s investigation revealed Ramsey failed to carry out the work safely and Waddington Buildings Limited had failed to establish whether work carried out on their behalf would be done safely and whether Stephen Ramsey was competent to do the work.
Stephen Ramsey, pleaded guilty to breaching the Work at Height Regulations 2005 and was fined £1,000 ($1,567) and ordered to pay £250 ($3920) costs. (WCxKit)
Waddington Buildings Limited, of Station Road, Brompton on Swale, pleaded guilty to one breach of Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and was fined £3,500 ($5,484) and ordered to pay costs of £900 ($1,410).
Author Robert Elliott, executive vice president, Amaxx Risk Solutions, Inc. has worked successfully for 20 years with many industries to reduce Workers Compensation costs, including airlines, healthcare, printing/publishing, pharmaceuticals, retail, hospitality and manufacturing. See www.LowerWC.com for more information. Contact: Info@ReduceYourWorkersComp.com.
Do not use this information without independent verification. All state laws vary. You should consult with your insurance broker or agent about workers comp issues.
©2011 Amaxx Risk Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved under International Copyright Law. If you would like permission to reprint this material, contact Info@ReduceYourWorkersComp.com
Fishermen across South Shore and Southwest Nova Scotia are being reminded by the Workers Compensation Board of Nova Scotia (WCB) and the Department of Labor and Advanced Education to practice safe fishing and avoid injuries.
“Fishing is one of the most dangerous occupations in the province, particularly in the harsh winter months,” said Stuart MacLean, acting CEO of the WCB. “We want to remind everyone in the industry to wear proper life vests and check their safety equipment and work procedures to ensure no one gets hurt this season.”(WCxKit)
In 2010, nearly 400 people working in the fishing industry were injured on the job. Of those, 150 were serious injuries that resulted in time lost from work. In the last three years alone, 23 people have died while working in the fishing industry. That is more than a quarter of all workplace fatalities in Nova Scotia during that time.
While injuries related to weather, conditions at sea and overloaded boats are often serious and tragic, sprains and strains are common and financially costly. These injuries are caused by hazards associated with the way work is designed and carried out such as lifting heavy loads.
The seafood processing sector also had its share of injury, with more than 400 injuries in 2010, including nearly 100 injuries causing time lost from work.
“Fishing is a vital part of our culture in Nova Scotia,” said Marilyn More, Minister of Labor and Advanced Education. “That work has incredible value, contributing millions to our economy every year. It is critical that this work be done safely; to reduce the terrible human and financial toll workplace injury takes in this province.”
Seafood processors and any fishing vessel that is based in Nova Scotia must comply with the province’s Occupational Health and Safety Act.
Premiums paid by fishing industry employers for workplace injury insurance are among the highest in Nova Scotia. The 2012 rate is $7.85 per $100 of payroll, up from $7.50 in 2011. That’s well above Nova Scotia’s average assessment rate of $2.65 – a direct result of the number and severity of injuries in the fishing sector.
There are positive signs that the fishing industry is taking action to improve its safety performance. In 2010 the Fisheries Safety Association was established with a mandate of reducing workplace injuries, and over time, workers’ compensation rates.
The WCB partnered with the Fisheries Safety Association and Advanced Labour and Education to produce an advertising campaign featuring hard-hitting safety messages such as “What’s harder? Telling your crew to put on lifejackets or telling their families they aren’t coming home?”(WCxKit)
“We are making progress establishing a safety culture in Nova Scotia, and by working together we can extend that progress to the fishing sector,” said MacLean. “The fishing industry needs a clear focus on safety. Fishermen have faced dangerous conditions for too long.”
Do not use this information without independent verification. All state laws vary. You should consult with your insurance broker or agent about workers comp issues.
©2011 Amaxx Risk Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved under International Copyright Law. If you would like permission to reprint this material, contactInfo@ReduceYourWorkersComp.com.
In 2011, close to 250 New Zealand businesses and organizations made a strong commitment to improve health and safety in their area of work with more expected this year, according to the Department of Labor
The Department of Labor’s Partners in Action pledge was launched in 2011 as part of the Government’s National Action Agenda to reduce harm at work. It asks signatories to work towards achieving zero harm in New Zealand workplaces. (WCxKit)
Since its launch, 237 New Zealand employers, employees, industry groups and government organizations have signed the pledge.
“In New Zealand too many people die or suffer serious harm at work – through accidents or through occupational diseases. We are pleased to see so many companies committed to making workplaces safer and healthier for all who work in them,” says the Department’s Deputy Chief Executive Health and Safety, Lesley Haines.
“There are some excellent examples of businesses leading the way in keeping their people safe and healthy,” Haines added.
Signatories include Higgins Construction Limited, which has implemented its ‘Our Way’ program to build safety into every task it completes, and Mainzeal Property and Construction which has an impressive plan to deal with the hazards its workers face at the Benmore Dam.
“These are great examples of how businesses can put health and safety at the forefront of their business planning – we want to see more of this,” Haines continued. “Reducing the work toll makes good business sense and is in everyone’s interest and it’s something we all must be responsible for – government, employees, employers and industry organizations. (WCxKit)
“I encourage all organizations into 2012 to consider signing up to the Pledge and to make health and safety a priority. Good health and safety is good business.”
Do not use this information without independent verification. All state laws vary. You should consult with your insurance broker or agent about workers comp issues.
©2012 Amaxx Risk Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved under International Copyright Law. If you would like permission to reprint this material, contact us at: Info@ReduceYourWorkersComp.com.
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