Q1 Operational Highlights
New campaign focuses on safe and timely return to work
In collaboration with workers’ compensation partners from across the Atlantic region, WCB Nova Scotia launched a new return-to-work awareness campaign in February of this year. Centred around the message “Getting Back is Part of Getting Better,” the campaign highlights the importance of transitional work and staying connected to the workplace after an injury. The videos and online materials have reached tens of thousands of Nova Scotians, and in a follow-up survey, nearly 40 per cent of respondents indicated they retained at least one of the messages from the campaign.
The WCB continues to focus on reducing the number of days being lost to workplace injury through a range of initiatives. In the early part of the year, this work included an information session for newcomers in the hospitality sector, dedicated training for contracted physiotherapists and chiropractors, and innovative pilot programs with safety partners across the province.
Stacia Baldwin appointed to Board of Directors
Stacia Baldwin has been appointed to the WCB Board of Directors as an Employer Representative, filling the vacancy from Luc Erjavec’s retirement. Baldwin is currently the Health, Safety, Environment and Quality (HESQ) Manager at MacKinnon and Olding Ltd. Luc Erjavec, a respected leader in the Canadian restaurant industry, served for nearly 10 years as an Employer Representative. The Board of Directors thanks Luc for his service to the workers and employers of our province.
Province’s leaders featured on WorkShift podcast
The WCB recently welcomed some of our province’s top safety leaders to record episodes of WorkShift, our podcast focused on inspiring safety leaders across the province. Chief Medical Officer Dr. Robert Strang joined us for an episode on activity in the workplace, while Deputy Ministers Ava Czapalay and April Howe joined us to reflect on the priorities for their departments, and the role all leaders play in shaping the future for Nova Scotia.
Reflecting on the generational impact of workplace tragedy
On April 28, the WCB marked the Day of Mourning to remember and honour those who have died or were seriously injured at work, and to underline the importance of putting safety first. This year, we helped tell the story of Ronald Beck, who lost his life at work on April 25, 2004. His loss continues to touch every generation of his family 19 years later.
Spotlight on physical and psychological safety
The WCB joined workplaces across the country in marking Safety and Health Week from May 1–6, taking the opportunity to encourage Nova Scotians to continue to focus on creating physically and psychologically healthy and safe workplaces. In addition to our own internal activities, we promoted these messages through an ad campaign, and provided Nova Scotians with new resources to help them participate in the week and take steps to make their own workplaces safer all year-round.
WCB employees top fundraisers for Steps for Life
In a continued demonstration of their care and compassion for those who are impacted by workplace injury, dozens of WCB employees recently participated in the 2023 Steps for Life walk in Halifax, proudly assembling our largest team ever and earning the title of top fundraising team for the local event. The annual walk is the primary fundraiser for Threads of Life, and all proceeds help the organization support families affected by workplace tragedy, life-altering injury, or occupational disease.
WCB shares story of people-first approach on international stage
WCB Nova Scotia Director, Workplace Services and Specialized Adjudication Shelly Dauphinee recently took the stage at the International Association of Industrial Accident Boards and Commissions (IAIABC) Forum in Florida. During her remarks, Shelly shared one of the new Getting Back is Part of Getting Better campaign ads, and spoke about how the organization strives to ensure our work is always guided by a people-first approach, which has enabled us to reduce the frequency and impact of workplace injuries and improve our financial position.
Following her remarks, attendees and the president of the IAIABC shared that they were inspired by the reminder of why these systems matter, and said Nova Scotia’s approach sets an example for safety and workers’ compensation organizations around the world.