Canadian Province Injury Rates Remain Steady

In today’s economy, more people head home safely at the end of their workday because their employer makes time for safety—great news for workers and employers.

Even though Alberta’s workforce has increased by 6%, with nearly two million workers covered by workers’ compensation, injury rates have remained steady and show signs of dropping. Why? One reason is because approximately 7,500 companies have enrolled in the Partners in Injury Reduction (PIR) program—a voluntary program designed to encourage and reward employers for safe behaviour, and have obtained a Certificate of Recognition.

Being a member of the PIR program is not just a matter of completing a form; employers must improve their safety performance or be an industry leader to reap both human and financial reward.

PIR employers have met stringent Alberta safety standards. They have:

• identified health and safety hazards
• controlled measures to eliminate or reduce the risks from these hazards
• clearly-stated company policy and management commitment
• provided employee training
• implemented an inspection program
• communicated an emergency response plan, and the list goes on.

All of which take time, attention and resources but it’s worth it so Alberta employees can go home safely to their families.

This spring, employers registered in the PIR program have earned a share of a record $73.5 million in workers’ compensation premium rebates for their 2007 results.

Thanks to these employers and their committed employees, there are more Albertans working in a safe, healthy and strong Alberta.