WINNIPEG - The Workers Compensation Board (WCB) of Manitoba has announced the priorities for its Community Initiatives and Research program for 2002. This year's Program is focused on prevention, rehabilitation and community support.

"Prevention of occupational injury and disease in Manitoba's young workforce is crucial," said Wally Fox-Decent. "We are also looking at community-based programs that emphasize occupational injury and disease awareness, and workplace health and safety."

"Only then can we take community support to the next level, providing effective solutions to expedite rehabilitation and ensure a healthy return to work."

The application process involves a two-stage approach - the first stage consisting of a Letter of Intent describing the project and its intended benefit to the WCB, which must be received no later than April 30, 2002. Based on a review of Letters of Intent, selected applicants will be invited to submit a full proposal (Stage 2).

The Board is interested in receiving applications that emphasize the following priorities:

• The efficacy of medical treatments and rehabilitation programs used to address workplace injuries and illnesses. A proposed project might, for example, examine:
  • Treatment options and their timing and frequency,
  • Gender-specific challenges related to recovery patterns, availability of treatment, rehabilitation and accommodation, or
  • The treatment of new workplace illnesses;
• The development of supportive community-based initiatives that provide quality of life for injured workers;
• The development of community-based occupational injury and disease awareness and health and safety training programs;
• Strategies to prevent or protect young workers from occupational injury and disease;
• The development of community expertise in workplace health and safety; and
• Best practices in disability management programs for small to medium-sized employers.

"This year we will take a three-prong approach to continually achieve our overall objectives, with prevention, rehabilitation, and community involvement leading the way."

Applications should address the overall objectives of the Community Initiatives and Research program. The objectives are to:

• promote, educate and increase the awareness level of injury and disease prevention issues;
• achieve practical outcomes which have a positive impact on employers and workers;
• develop a stronger understanding and further current knowledge of workplace injuries, illnesses and disabilities;
• apply acquired knowledge to the development of new techniques;
• identify and promote effective return-to-work and rehabilitation strategies;
• evaluate specific program interventions or other initiatives to assess the impact on reducing injury and disability; and
• promote research towards the advancement of general medical science where there is a link to workers' compensation.

Established in 1997, the Community Initiatives and Research Program funds initiatives on accident and disease prevention, safety in the workplace, treatment of workplace injuries, services for injured workers and scientific, medical or other issues related to workers compensation. Up to $1 million in funding is approved annually by the Board of Directors of the WCB, for work that commences in the following year. The Program falls within the mandate of The Workers' Compensation Act.

More information and a copy of the grant application package may be obtained from the Manitoba WCB by calling (204) 954-4650, or toll-free in Canada 1-800-362-3340 (ext. 4650).

The Manitoba WCB is a not-for-profit mutual accident and disability insurance agency established by legislation in 1917. It is a partnership between workers and employers and is funded by employer premiums. About 325,000 Manitoba workers at 22,000 firms are covered by workers' compensation.

The WCB is governed by a Board of Directors representing workers, employers and the public interest. It is committed to providing superior compensation services for Manitoba workers and employers in a manner that is sensitive, responsive and effective, in order to minimize the risk and impact of workplace injuries.

Contact:
Don McDonald
Director of Communications
WCB Manitoba
(204) 954-4113