PIR is a voluntary program that operates through the combined efforts of WCB, the Government of Alberta, certifying partners, safety associations, employers and labour groups. It is designed to help you lower your premiums by encouraging injury prevention and the development of effective workplace health, safety and return-to-work plans. Specifically, it can help you:
- Decrease your worker's time away from work.
- Reduce the number of workplace injuries.
- Reduce costs associated with claims.
All employers can participate in the program and be eligible for refunds up to 20% by maintaining a Certificate of Recognition (COR). A COR is essential to WCB’s PIR program and a key component of the Government of Alberta’s "Partnerships" program.
A COR shows that the employer’s health and safety management system has been evaluated by a certified auditor and meets provincial standards. These standards are established by Occupational Health and Safety (OHS).
Performance measures
To determine the refund amount you may be eligible for, we have three different performance measures we can use. In reviewing your performance, we will always use the measure that helps you achieve the greatest refund.
1. Achieving a certificate of recognition (COR)
A COR is awarded to employers who have developed a health and safety program that meets standards established by the Government of Alberta and an accredited certifying partner.
To achieve a COR, you must get at least 50% on each element of an audit and have an overall score of 80%. After earning a COR, you are eligible for a 10% industry rate refund for the first year and then five % every year you maintain the COR. PIR can help you develop a health and safety program and earn a COR.
If you are registering with PIR for the first time and have not received your COR by year end, you can have your refund carried forward for one year and applied if the COR is complete at the end of the next year.
2. Improving your performance
Your performance is compared to your own historical record. You can earn industry rate refunds if you improve your claim cost performance. You will receive a
one per cent refund for every one per cent that you improve your performance, up to a maximum of 20%. Earning a COR can help you improve your performance and achieve this measure.
To recognize that it takes time to build effective health and safety programs, you have a one-year grace period to achieve your COR and still be eligible for the refund under this measure.
3. Maintaining industry leadership
Your performance is compared to your industry average. You can earn refunds from 10% to the maximum of 20% if you perform significantly better than your industry average over two consecutive years.
Join PIR
- Step 1: Complete a PIR registration form.
- Step 2: Qualify for a discount by earning a Certificate of Recognition (COR).
For more information on PIR, contact us.
