WCB Offers Rate Reduction to Accredited Construction Firms

The Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba today announced an important prevention initiative that offers a financial incentive to construction firms that encourage safety in their workplace by implementing an accredited safety program.

The Incentive Plan in Construction is a pilot program that includes a five percent reduction in WCB assessment rates for construction firms that earn safety association accreditation, an important step in decreasing workplace injuries. Safety accreditation is offered by the Manitoba Heavy Construction Association's Safety Health and Environment Program (SHEP) and the Construction Safety Association of Manitoba (CSAM).

"We are pleased that the WCB is recognizing the commitment of accredited companies,” says Kevin Skinner, Vice-President & District Manager of PCL Constructors Ltd. “We have a goal of zero incidents on our projects as safety is a high priority and a key element in the success of the company. Accreditation is a worthy standard for businesses, and we should all commit to raising the bar.”

Accreditation in a safety program is open to the more than 5,500 construction industry employers. They must undergo rigourous safety training, develop a company safety manual, develop and implement an approved health and safety program and pass an independent safety audit.

"An accredited safety program has been good for our business,” explains Gord Lee, President of Nelson River Construction Inc. “By taking the guesswork out of workplace safety, we can help prevent injuries and save lives, while focusing on what we do best – construction.”

“The Incentive Plan is the latest in a multi-faceted approach to fighting construction-related injuries in Manitoba,” says WCB Chairperson Tom Farrell. “This program provides a real, tangible incentive to construction employers of all sizes to make safe work a way of life in their workplace.”

Large accredited employers receive a Certificate of Recognition (COR) from their respective safety association, while smaller employers receive either the Small Employer Certificate of Recognition (SECOR), or the Small Business Safety Certificate (SBSC).

In addition to maintaining accreditation, the employer must be in good standing with the WCB, and maintain other standard criteria set by the WCB and the Workplace Safety and Health Division.

The three-year pilot program begins in January, 2007. The initiative will be funded by a nominal increase in the surcharge paid by all construction employers in Manitoba. There will be no additional cost to employers in other industries.

For further information contact:

Warren Preece

Director of Communications

WCB of Manitoba

(204) 954-4113