Minister announces changes beneficial to both employers and injured workers

Joan Burke, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment and Minister Responsible for the Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission, announced today a decrease in the average base assessment rate - the first decrease since 2000. The rate will be adjusted from $3.24 to $3.19, effective January 1 for 2005 rates.

In addition, the maximum compensable earnings limit for injured workers will increase from $45,500 to $46,275. This is a 1.7 per cent increase equal to the full Consumer Price Index for Canada and the first time this ceiling on benefits has been adjusted since 1984. "Although modest, I am pleased that the commission is able to move forward with these improvements for both employers and workers at this time," said Minister Burke. "Increasing the maximum compensable ceiling to $46,275 means that injured workers who are earning the maximum will get an increase in their benefits and this will continue to increase in subsequent years. It is also encouraging that the commission, due to a decrease in systems costs and the number of new injuries since 2000, can now give employers a small break on assessment rates."

"Employers and workers efforts in accident prevention and return to work are starting to pay off," said Ann Marie Hann, chief executive officer of the commission. "This announcement is the first of what we hope are continual signs of improvement in the workers' compensation system in this province."

Information on the 2005 base assessment rates is available on the commission's Web site at www.whscc.nf.ca or by calling 778-1000, toll free 1-800-563-9000.

Media contact:
            Jacquelyn Howard, Communications, (709) 729-4062 or (709) 689-2624
            Lana Collins, Director of Communications, WHSCC, (709) 778-1223

2004 11 17                         1:00 p.m.