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How are WCB rates set?
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The WCB's assessment rate setting system is based on a system of collective liability and experience rating. The costs of a single serious workplace injury can increase a rate by as much five times. That's why the premiums most employers pay go into the accident fund, which collectively, is used to pay the benefits of injured workers. Employers pay premiums or assessments, based on the level of risk associated with the industry they are involved in. Understandably, mining and logging firms pay higher assessments than flower shop owners due to the higher risk associated in those industries.
In simple terms, employer assessment rates are calculated by factoring the employer's injury experience and the collective injury experience of other employers who share the same level of risk.
Each year, the WCB sets assessment rates for employers. Assessment rates are calculated by examining the costs associated with a particular firm over the previous year.
There are two kinds of costs:
Direct costs which are composed of wage-loss, medical aid and rehabilitation expenses for the firm's injured workers and indirect costs which are costs of running the workers compensation system that cannot be apportioned to any one claim, for example, administration.
These, along with a calculation that represents the collective injury experience of employers with comparable risk are used to determine a firm's assessment rate.
Get detailed information on rate calculation or information about rates for new businesses.
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How do employers lower their WCB rates?
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Rates and premiums cover wage loss payments, medical benefits and rehabilitation services. Rates may go up or down depending on an employer’s injury experience and the safety and health risk of their industry.
Good Safety and Health and Return to Work programs and an overall safety and health culture are the best ways to reduce premiums.
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What can the SAFE Work Services Team help me with?
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Generally speaking, the SAFE Work Services Team helps Manitoba workplaces reduce workplace injuries and the time it takes injured employees to return to work.
The SAFE Work Services Team also offers formal training sessions in WCB
Basics, Return to Work Basics and Injury Prevention Basics. It also provides data and analysis to help employers understand their injury and return to work performance.
SAFE Work Services Team members can provide safety and health data to employers, conduct training, and act as consultants providing expertise on injury and illness prevention. They can conduct program assessments, return-to-work assessments, safe climate surveys and make recommendations for improvement. The SAFE Work Services Team can also do business case development and provide program implementation assistance.
Your workplace can receive customized data analysis and easy-to-read reports that will help your business target at-risk areas, establish, measure and track health and safety goals and analyze barriers that keep employees from returning to work.
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How do I become COR certified?
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In Manitoba, COR certification is available through the Construction Safety Association of Manitoba (CSAM) and Manitoba Heavy Construction Safety Program (MHCSP)
To become COR Certified, your organization must register and complete the requirements for certification, which includes developing a health and safety program, attending training and undergoing a safety and health program audit.
COR Certification is valid for three years, so long as you maintain eligibility by keeping up with training elements and auditing standards.
The WCB COR discount applies only to organizations in the construction sector.
For more information, visit CSAM or MHCSP.
Please note: Agricultural Manufacturers of Canada also offers a safety certification program (Certificate of Achievement in Safety and Health) but the WCB does not offer an incentive for this program.
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Why did I lose my COR discount?
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COR certified workplaces that are members of the construction sector receive a five per cent discount on their WCB assessment rates.
To receive the discount, employers must maintain certification and be in good standing with the WCB. They must also maintain other standard criteria set by the WCB and the Workplace Safety and Health Division.
Contact your certifying agent for more information or review the WCB's Construction Pilot Incentive Policy.
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Where do I take claim-specific questions?
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To talk about an existing claim, call your case manager. If you cannot reach your case manager, call 954.4922 (in Winnipeg).
To file a new claim, call the Claim Information Centre at 954.4100 between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. on regular business days.