No increase in Manitoba’s average WCB assessment rates

About 39 per cent of employers will pay lower rates in 2012

The average WCB assessment rate in Manitoba will remain stable at $1.50 next year, according to the Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba.

Manitoba employers will not see an increase in the average assessment rate in 2012. They will pay an average of $1.50 per $100 of assessable payroll to the WCB for injury insurance coverage, including wage loss payments, medical benefits and rehabilitation services.

The employer's own rate may be higher or lower than average, depending on their injury experience and the safety and health risk of their industry.

Last year, the WCB average assessment rate decreased from $1.60 the year before. The rates had previously held steady at $1.60 since 2008.

"Rate stability is possible because of significant reductions in the injury rate over the last decade and a focus on safe and timely return to meaningful employment for injured workers," said Doug Sexsmith, WCB president and CEO. “This allows us to continue to offer a competitive advantage for Manitoba employers by keeping assessment rates low. The fact that most employers will either see a decrease in their rates or no increase tells us that our message of workplace safety is being heard, although there is still work to be done in that area.”

The average assessment rate the WCB sets is one of many factors that determine what an employer pays in premiums, said Sexsmith.

"The best way for employers to reduce their premiums is to prevent injuries and to return injured workers to meaningful work as soon as it's safe to do so."

Overall, about 39 per cent of employers will pay lower WCB assessment rates in 2012, while 12 per cent will pay more and 49 per cent will not see a change in their rates. Those employers who had the largest declines in their injury experience benefited the most, according to the WCB.

In 2011, Manitoba had the second lowest workers compensation assessment rates in the country.

"We are committed to changing the way Manitobans think and feel about workplace safety through prevention, education and outreach," said Sexsmith.

The maximum assessable earnings in 2012 will be set at $104,000.

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