Winnipeg, MB, October 11, 2000 - Reported time loss accidents for the first six months of this year were up 4.4 percent from the same period in 1999, according to the WCB's second quarter financial statements.

"We are concerned about this trend in reported accidents," says WCB President and CEO Pat Jacobsen. "If accidents aren't reduced, assessment rate increases are inevitable. We need to work together to prevent these accidents, and to establish a workplace culture that is safe and healthy."

Time loss accidents for the first six months of 2000 have surpassed the growth in the economy. For the first six months of 2000, there were 10,314 time loss accidents - up 431 claims (4.4 percent) from the same time last year.

Total premium revenue for the first six months of 2000 was $66.0 million, and investment revenue for the same period was $33.4 million. Total claims costs for the six months of 2000, including compensation, medical aid, rehabilitation, pension, and allowance for future claims, was $79.1 million, an increase of 15% from 1999. Total recurring expenses for the first half of 2000 increased by $14.6 million, due primarily to an increase in the Future Cost Provision allowance.

The WCB covers approximately 70 percent of Manitoba's workforce, or about 325,000 Manitoba workers at 22,000 firms. The 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.


For more information, please contact:

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