CANADA Newfoundland and Labrador Workplace Health and Safety Compensation Commission Reports Rates for 2010

WHSCC to Maintain Average Base Assessment Rate for Employers

The Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission (WHSCC) of New Foundland and Labrador reports it is maintaining the average base assessment rate of $2.75 for employers in 2010, and increasing the maximum compensable and assessable earnings limit from $50,379 to $51,235.

The assessment rate is the rate paid by employers to cover anticipated claims costs and the cost of administering the workers’ compensation system. It is based on the industry group in which employers are classified and the cost experience of the group.

While the average assessment rate remains unchanged, an estimated 58% of employers will experience a rate decrease, while 42% will see an increase, based on industry group performance. For 2010, the maximum increase or decrease will not exceed 20%.

The increase in maximum compensable and assessable earnings is based on the consumer price index (CPI) and represents a 1.7% increase for 2010. Any injured worker whose pre-injury earnings are at or above the new maximum compensable limit will be compensated based on the new limit effective Jan. 1, 2010. (workersxzcompxzkit)

Serving over 16,000 employers and approximately 12,000 injured workers, the WHSCC is an employer-funded, no fault insurance system that promotes safe and healthy workplaces, provides return-to-work programs and fair compensation to injured workers and their dependants.

MAINE Employers to See Average of 7% Drop in WC RatesThe National Council of Compensation Insurers in Maine is recommending an average 7% decline in workers’ compensation rates in 2010 for employers according to a proposal filed with the state Bureau of Insurance. The report was filed because Maine experienced fewer work comp claims.

A spokesperson for (NCCI) said if the proposal receives backing from the Bureau of Insurance the average rate will decrease, with some employers seeing larger decreases and others seeing increases. If the proposal is approved, the rate change will take effect Jan. 1, 2010.

Author Robert Elliott –

executive vice president, Amaxx Risks Solutions, Inc. has worked successfully for 20 years with many industries to reduce Workers’ Compensation costs, including airlines, health care, manufacturing, printing/publishing, pharmaceuticals, retail, hospitality and manufacturing. He can be contacted at: Robert_Elliott@ReduceYourWorkersComp.com or 860-553-6604.

Do not use this information without independent verification. All state laws vary. You should consult with your insurance broker about workers’ comp issues.