(WINNIPEG - February 24, 2000) -- The Workers Compensation Board (WCB) of Manitoba has announced the priorities for its Community Initiatives and Research program. In making the announcement, WCB Chair Wally Fox-Decent encouraged applicants to prepare their submissions in advance of the April 25th deadline date.

"Reducing workplace injury and illness is a huge challenge that requires a partnership approach to seeking successful outcomes," Fox-Decent said. "This program helps enable those with good ideas in the pursuit of solutions that can benefit all Manitobans."

The application process will involve a two-stage approach - the first stage consisting of a Letter of Intent summarizing their proposal and its intended benefit to the WCB. Following a preliminary evaluation, a number of the applicants will be invited to proceed with a more detailed proposal.

The board's program priorities are:

• minimizing the risk and severity of workplace accidents and disease, and
  
  
• minimizing the impact of workplace injury and disease by enhancing healthy return to work.

Within these priorities, the board expressed particular interest in applications related to solutions that prevent or protect young workers (under 25), older workers (over 50) and farm workers from occupational injury and disease.

"The workers in these target groups face special risks related to on-the-job injury," Fox-Decent said. "As a result, we want to focus special attention on solutions aimed at preventing or reducing the impact of injuries among this worker population."

Applications will also be considered for funding in keeping with 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, illness and disability;
  
  
• 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.

The overall funding commitment to approved projects will be $1 million. Funding is approved by the Board of Directors of the WCB in December for work to commence late this year or early next year.

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.

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 information is also available in our Community Initiatives and Research Program section.

Future plans for the Community Initiatives and Research program include partnering with Manitoba post-secondary institutions in supporting tomorrow's health and safety professionals through fellowships or other support vehicles. This expansion will be announced once details have been further developed.

"We continue to look for creative and innovative ways to reduce the effects of workplace injury and illness in Manitoba," Fox-Decent said. "Our Community Initiatives and Research program is an excellent way of supporting the work of others for the benefit of all Manitoba employers and workers."


For more information, please contact:

Glenn Hildebrand
Director of Communications
WCB Manitoba
(204) 954-4113
1-800-362-3340 (Canada)
e-mail: ghildebr@wcb.mb.ca