New program puts WCB rebates at risk for non-compliant companies
Starting July 1, Alberta employers could face an immediate review of their safety accreditation if they have an on-site fatality, serious injury or multiple stop work orders.
The province will put stricter guidelines for companies to keep their Certificate of Recognition (COR). Employers who do not hold a COR do not receive Partnerships in Injury Reduction (PIR) rebates from the province’s Workers’ Compensation Board and can’t bid on certain projects.
“Losing a COR is bad for business,” said Thomas Lukaszuk, minister of employment and immigration. “However, Albertans have the right to work in safe and healthy conditions. We’re putting employers on notice: After July 1, we’ll be launching reviews as soon after a workplace incident as possible.”
COR program changes include a review process after a fatality, serious injury or incident; if two or more stop work orders are issued within a 12-month period; or if ongoing OHS officer activity indicates possible health and safety issues.
Employers would not be eligible for PIR rebates when its COR is under review.
If a company has any of these incidents, it must develop an action plan focused on making improvements to the workplace. After a second incident within two years, the COR holder must conduct an external audit.
If employers fail to develop a satisfactory action plan or pass the audit with a score of at least 80 per cent, the company will have its COR cancelled.
If a COR holder is charged under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, the WCB will hold any refunds for that year, pending the outcome of the charges.
Lukaszuk announced a 10 point plan for OHS in July 2010. One of the initiatives in the plans was to update the COR program.
