WorkSafeNB released its 2023 Annual Report, highlighting a year of significant growth and transformation. With a steadfast commitment to making New Brunswick the safest place to work, we are proud to report not only the lowest injury frequency rate in our history but also the lowest in Canada. This remarkable achievement, along with improved open claim duration, competitive assessment rates, and a strong financial position, is a testament to the dedication of our team and the collective efforts of New Brunswick’s workers and employers.

October 2-4, Fredericton Convention Centre

At last year's conference we were inspired by the legendary Canadian hockey player, Hayley Wickenheiser. This year, get ready for a Canadian icon who's reached for the stars. Who will it be? Stay tuned for our announcement!

In an effort to continuously move our organization forward, we invite all New Brunswickers to contribute to a review of WorkSafeNB’s policies. The following policies are currently open for review until August 26, 2024:

• Policy 23-605 Experience Rating System
• Policy-600 Setting Basic Assessment Rates

We encourage people to contribute advice and or ideas that lead to improved people-centred policies, by visiting: WorkSafeNB (talksafetynb.ca)

Continue using the previous MAE of $76,900 for any payroll record relevant to the 2024 calendar year. This change provides additional benefits to injured workers without directly affecting premiums charged to employers in 2024.

General Regulation 91-191 had numerous legislative changes in 2022 and 2023 and continues to undergo changes in 2024 that enhance health and safety in New Brunswick workplaces.

Legislation change: JHSCs no longer need to submit minutes after each meeting to WorkSafeNB. Committees, however, must retain minutes for a minimum of three years and have them available to WorkSafeNB on request.

Did you hear? Type 2 headwear is now required on project sites! Type 2 headwear is designed to reduce force from an impact to the front, back, sides and top of the head.

As the number of infected ticks is rising in the province. WorkSafeNB urges workers to protect themselves from Lyme disease.

Lyme disease is a bacterial illness spread by bites from infected ticks. These ticks are found in temperate, grassy and wooded areas. They typically cling to small bushes or tall grasses and are usually found near the ground. They wait for an animal or person to pass by, then attach to the skin to feed. Tick bites are usually painless, so many people don't realize they've been bitten.

New Brunswickers who work outside have expressed concern about giant hogweed, a noxious and potentially dangerous weed that was first discovered in the province in 2010.

Did you know New Brunswick’s First Aid Regulation recently changed to align with national standards?

What does that mean for New Brunswick employers?

Harmonization with national standards helps keep New Brunswick workers safe AND makes it easier for New Brunswick employers to do business Canada-wide, such as changes to training requirements.

Changes include dropping the yearly six-hour training refresher.

Every individual, regardless of their background, should feel confident in their understanding of workplace health and safety and their ability to take proactive steps to protect themselves and their colleagues. By offering resources in multiple languages, we're committed to removing these barriers and empowering individuals to actively participate in fostering safe and healthy workplaces.

Through educating employers and employees about their responsibilities and expectations, safety becomes a mutual value and top priority. We encourage employers, newcomers and temporary foreign workers to familiarize themselves with their rights and responsibilities, including the right to refuse unsafe work, participate in health and safety discussions, and access information and training.

Falls continue to be a leading cause of serious workplace injuries in New Brunswick. Injuries from falls can be prevented with proper precautions, equipment and training. The best forms of fall-protection systems include guardrails (passive system) and travel restraint (active system). As a result, the regulation requires employers to first consider these systems ahead of others.

Workers are making our roads safer. Are you looking out for them? Allow extra driving time in summer! Stay alert! Slow down in construction zones!

Kathleen Bridges is helping to make New Brunswick the safest place to work as a health and safety consultant with WorkSafeNB. With 22 years' experience in the field, Kathleen is passionate about health and safety because she understands that workplace injuries extend far beyond a person’s physical pain.

This article is part of a series focused on enhancing new employee orientation, and thus health and safety, across New Brunswick.

WorkSafeNB's health and safety officers and occupational hygienists are given legislative authority to write orders under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, to improve safety and prevent accidents in New Brunswick workplaces.

When these orders are not complied with, or when an accident has taken place as a result of a violation of the Act and/or its regulations, WorkSafeNB may recommend charges to the Department of Justice.