With sky-rocketing rates over the past couple of years, the mandate is clear: make the system fair and sustainable.
“We are satisfied that if the recommendations are accepted WorkSafeNB will return to a sustainable system. It is unsustainable if they are not accepted,” task force chair Dennis Browne said.
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Browne said one key factor concerning escalating costs is the workers compensation appeals tribunal. He states the tribunal’s jurisdiction is overreaching and needs to be curtailed.
“We believe the injured worker can have his right to an appeal, but without the resulting lack of sustainability caused by their decisions.”
The report says more effort is needed to help get injured workers back on the job, which would translate into savings.
Browne says health-care professionals can play a key role.
“We’re recommending the adoption of new forms which would show the functioning ability of an injured worker, what the injured worker can do on the job, what the injured worker can’t do, but the end result should get injured workers back earlier,” said Browne.
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Browne said creating a culture of safety in all work settings would reduce a strain on the system as well with fewer injuries.
Treasury Board president Roger Melanson said when it comes to implementing changes, government can only do so much.
“WorkSafeNB is independent of government and this is exactly what the auditor general has said in her report. That’s what’s being said here, so we will respect that,” Melanson said.
Other issues addressed included the elimination of the three-day waiting period, governance, rehabilitation and benefits.
The recommendations from the nine-member task force representing workers and employers were unanimous.