Shared commitment to workplace safety earns rewards

Together 7,814 PIR employers earn $70 million in 2008 rebates

Edmonton, AB – For more than 20 years in Alberta, employers enrolled in the Partnerships in Injury Reduction (PIR) program have diligently worked to prevent Albertans from being injured on the job. This successful program which began in 1989 encourages injury reduction through an innovative pricing program. Over the years, Alberta employers have truly embraced its ideals. With fewer than 100 employers enrolled at first, this program now has more than 7,800 employers from all industries registered.

Teaming up with associations, government, workers and industries, PIR employers are committed to disability management and keeping their workforce safe. In 2008, in spite of the 4.9% increase in workers covered from 2007, partners still managed to reduce the number of time-lost claims by 8.6% and the average duration of a claim to 32.1 days. Their efforts have collectively earned them $70 million in 2008 rebates.

“They’ve earned it like an athlete earns gold,” says Guy Kerr, WCB-Alberta’s President and CEO. “PIR employers have worked on their programs for years, they’ve trained to perfect them and they’ve made adjustments to adapt to different environments.”

To be a part of this highly safety conscious group means employers must adhere to stringent Alberta safety standards. They have to earn and maintain a Certificate of Recognition (COR) and improve their performance or maintain industry leadership. It requires much more than just signing on the dotted line; it means continually making safety a priority in their workplaces.

“We all share a common purpose,” says Kerr. “We strive towards improving our workplaces where fewer Albertans will be hurt on the job, but when they do get hurt, our shared ability to manage injuries through solid disability management programs is effective.”

The Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) – Alberta is a not-for-profit corporation legislated to administer the workers’ compensation system for the province.

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For more information, contact:
Jennifer Dagsvik
Corporate Communications
Tel: 780-498-8685
Fax: 780-498-7875
Email: jennifer.dagsvik@wcb.ab.ca