What are the implications for such claims?
The latest annual report on workplace safety among Winnipeg city employees has revealed a notable uptick in psychological claims filed with the Workers Compensation Board (WCB) in 2023. This report also provides insights into lost time injury (LTI) rates and other crucial safety metrics.
According to the report, there were 182 psychological claims submitted to WCB in 2023, marking a 31% increase from the 139 claims filed in 2022. Factors contributing to these claims include workplace violence, mental stress, burnout, and other critical incidents.
Despite the rise in psychological claims, they maintained a consistent share of all lost-time WCB claims, accounting for 34% in both 2022 and 2023. In contrast, physical injury claims slightly decreased to 1,246 cases in 2023 from 1,254 the previous year. However, the frequency of LTIs per 100 workers increased to 11 in 2023, up from 10.2 in 2022.
The report also provided a breakdown of LTI frequencies across different city departments. The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service recorded the highest frequency at approximately 26 LTIs per 100 workers, followed by transit employees with around 17 LTIs. In contrast, Planning, Property and Development, and Fleet Management Agency employees reported the lowest frequencies, ranging between two and three LTIs per 100 workers.
Among the reasons for time lost from work, sprains and strains accounted for 58% of LTIs. Other causes included contusions, lacerations, amputations, and gunshot wounds.
Financially, WCB-related costs totaled $19.4 million in 2023, up from $16.4 million in 2022. About half of these costs were attributed to claims from the previous year. Of note, $2.1 million was allocated for rehabilitation positions, facilitating employees' return to work through light-duty assignments.
In a significant achievement, the City of Winnipeg attained full certification in the SAFE Work program, becoming the largest organization in Manitoba to achieve this status. The certification is aimed at reducing workplace injuries and illnesses while fostering a safety-oriented workplace culture.
According to the report, “Certification through the SAFE Work program helps organizations reduce workplace injuries and illnesses as well as promote a culture of safety.”
