Sask. Workers’ Compensation Board stresses ‘risk-based decision making’ during annual conference

Sask. WCB held its 28th annual event focused on workplace safety, prevention, and risk-based decision making with partners and customers.

The Saskatchewan Workers’ Compensation Board (SWCB) met with partners and customers for its annual spring safety conference on Tuesday.

This year’s theme was Customer Insights and Shared Solutions. Two keynote speakers shared messages of workplace safety and risk-based decision making.

Phillip Germain, the CEO of the SWCB, said the event is a space to learn about the compensation system, and how to improve health and safety in the workplace.

“When we pull the right people together, and have the right conversations, we can really improve the system overall,” he said.

The SWCB was established in 1911, to provide a no-fault insurance system that provides compensation regardless of who is at fault.

The Board offers comprehensive support for work-related injures, including 90 per cent net wage-loss benefits, medical treatment coverage, and vocational rehabilitation.

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Germain said the SWCB is an important safety net for the people they cover.

“We’re there to help the worker, employer and healthcare provider to work together to navigate a really important rehabilitation and back-to-work process,” said Germain.

Kevin Rempel was a workplace safety keynote speaker of the event. He shared his experience after a devastating motorcycle crash, and its possible prevention. He also shared his “check your ego” framework.

“Ego shows up in the workplace and safety scenarios all the time. It’s not something to be feared, but a healthy ego is better than one that controls us,” he said.

Germain said the SWCB is available to help not only manage claims but help prevent claims from happening as well.

“An injury doesn’t just impact the worker. It impacts the workplace, families, and community,” he said.

“If an injury happens, how do we really help to rehabilitate, get back to work. Those have positive impacts beyond not just the worker,” he concluded.

This was the 28th Compensation Institute. It was a sold-out event at the Conexus Arts Centre.