WCB-Alberta—making good performance matter
Working hard with its partners to maintain stability for both workers and employers in Alberta
By focusing on partnerships and long-term perspective, WCB-Alberta has successfully navigated its way through 2009’s challenging and uncertain economic climate.
After years of growth, Alberta workers and employers were faced with declining employment and an unpredictable economy. Despite these challenges, WCB-Alberta maintained stable worker benefits and employer premiums.
In presenting WCB-Alberta’s 2009 results to stakeholders at its annual general meeting, Guy Kerr, WCB President and CEO, reiterated the organization’s commitment to balancing the needs of Alberta workers and employers.
“We have a responsibility to compensate and rehabilitate covered workers who are injured on the job,” Kerr told stakeholders today. “In 2009, WCB and our partners faced immense challenges, but we were prepared with solutions and strategies to maintain stability for both worker benefits and employer premiums while keeping our focus on fairness.”
Alberta’s system shrunk in 2009 with a drop to 1.73 million covered workers (from 1.83) and to 137,000 registered employers (from 140,000). Despite these changes and economic challenges, 93.1 per cent of injured workers successfully returned to work—the highest rate ever.
WCB-Alberta’s 2009 Annual Report provides detailed results. Here are some highlights:
- The time-lost claim rate decreased to 1.6 per 100 workers
- The disabling-injury rate decreased to 2.8 per 100 workers
- The system remained financially stable and funded at 128.4 per cent
Good performance really does matter. Strong operational results combined with solid partnerships allowed WCB-Alberta to withstand external risk.
“As a Board, we are satisfied that WCB-Alberta and its partners are moving in the right direction to benefit stakeholders in the long-term,” David Carpenter, Chair of the Board of Directors, told stakeholders. “2009 has demonstrated that when you plan ahead and make decisions with foresight, you can land on your feet despite what the world throws your way.”
“Looking forward, we are cautiously optimistic of a slow recovery in the Alberta economy,” Kerr added. “We will focus on finding practical yet innovative solutions to working with our partners to return injured workers to work.”
The Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) – Alberta is a not-for-profit organization legislated to administer the workers’ compensation system for the province. Through the payment of premiums, 137,000 employers fund this no-fault system to provide compensation for workplace injuries and occupational diseases to over 1.73 million workers.
The webcast of the annual general meeting is available for viewing for 30 days following the event. For more information or to view the webcast, go to www.wcb.ab.ca. The WCB-Alberta 2009 Annual Report is also posted on WCB’s website.
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2009Year
at a Glance (link no longer available)
2009 Accountability
Framework: Supplementary Measures Report (link no
longer available)
2009 Investment Report (link no longer available)
Media Inquires:
Jennifer
Dagsvik Media Relations Specialist
WCB-Alberta
Phone: 780-717-5855
Fax: 780-498-7875
Emai: jennifer.dagsvik@wcb.ab.ca