Q2 2023 Overview

NOVA SCOTIA’S INJURY RATE DROPS TO AN ALL-TIME LOW

Return-to-work measures gain momentum

Workplace injury continues to take less of a toll in Nova Scotia, with both the number of injuries and the time lost to them continuing to decline in the first half of 2023.

The rate of workplace injury reached a new all-time low, dropping to 1.36 per 100 covered workers, down from 1.41 in the first quarter of the year and 1.62 one year ago.

The injury rate is now less than half what it was when the WCB first became responsible for injury prevention in 2003, when the rate was 3.0 per 100 covered workers.

And while it takes longer in Nova Scotia to achieve healthy and safe return to work, there is progress in this key measure as well, owing to a number of initiatives focused on better service, and the value of safe, healthy work as part of recovery. Examples include a new pilot program with the construction industry, and refreshers in best practices for WCB case workers and our Tier 1 Service Providers, which are providing a common understanding of key principles that result in improved service to workers.

Our dedicated program to support workers impacted by traumatic psychological injury continued to show progress, assisting workers in recovering from these often challenging, complex injuries.

The number of days paid for worker benefits declined by almost 20,000 days compared to the end of the previous quarter, and more than 78,500 days compared to the end of the second quarter 2022.

WCB continues to play an important lead role in a broad partnership focused on long-term care, home care, and disability support sectors. Years of investment in this sector is showing results, in both injury prevention and return to work. There were notable reductions in time-loss claims in the Construction and Manufacturing industries as well.

In the markets, WCB’s investments increased by $ 63.9 million over December 31, 2022. Year to date, revenues exceeded expenses for comprehensive income of $20.6 million, increasing the funded ratio to 92.4 per cent compared to the restated IFRS 17 basis of 91.5 per cent at December 31, 2022.

WCB NOVA SCOTIA WELCOMES NEW CEO

Karen Adams is WCB Nova Scotia’s new Chief Executive Officer, as of August 14, 2023. Saeed El-Darahali, Chair of the WCB’s Board of Directors, says the Board looks forward to Karen’s leadership and the opportunities it will bring, in an era of newfound financial sustainability. Karen was selected following an exhaustive national search process that resulted in an exceptional field of candidates.