Issue link: http://publications.winnipegfreepress.com/i/1464008
A SUPPLEMENT TO THE WINNIPEG FREE PRESS SATURDAY, APRIL 9, 2022 13 Richard Deacon P reventing illness and injury should be high on the priority list of any employer. When workplace injuries do happen, a return to work program can minimize the effects on workers and employers. The WCB supports Manitoba workplaces to develop return-to- work programs to minimize the impact of workplace injuries and illnesses, as well as to create the best health outcomes for workers, both physically and psychologically. This aligns with one of the WCB's strategic priorities of enabling successful return to work. The WCB works to support the needs of specific workplaces with return-to- work education and tools to build an effective return to work program. The return-to-work process is a collaborative approach that includes a team of people helping an injured worker return to safe and suitable work. At the WCB, we work with all parties to ensure the injured worker, employer and healthcare provider all understand their roles and responsibilities to enable a successful return to work. This team approach means workers understand their rights to have a safe and suitable return-to-work plan while employers recognize the benefits of having modified or alternate duties available for returning workers. Together, all parties play a part in achieving our goal to deliver the best possible outcomes for all stakeholders, which we believe will result in a reduction of Manitoba's days lost to workplace injury and illness. Many Advantages Return-to-work programs offer an effective way to reduce both the human and financial impacts of workplace injuries, and that benefits both workers and employers. Being part of a return-to-work program has many advantages for workers. Workers can recover more quickly and effectively. Medical research shows that resuming regular activity, when able, can aid recovery, including helping to improve overall health and wellbeing. For employers, the program helps to retain valuable workers, reducing the costs of hiring and training replacements, while maintaining productivity. It also helps employers make their workers feel supported and connected to their workplace. The workers compensation system, which includes employers, workers, healthcare providers and other stakeholders, is having a great influence on ensuring that injured workers are returning to safe and suitable work in a timely manner. Return-to-work programs can help workers recover more quickly and reduce costs to employers. WCB offers consultations that include executive outreach, program assessment and development of action plans. For help setting up a return to work program and to access valuable resources, visit www.wcb.mb.ca. Minimizing the Impact of Workplace Injuries Richard Deacon is President and Chief Executive Officer of the Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba. Asphalt Paving Concrete Paving Base & Excavation Sewer & Water Parking Lots Subdivision Development Asphalt Supply Phone: (204) 237.6253 Fax: (204) 237.5032 www.bituminex.com info@bituminex.com Asphalt Paving Concrete Paving Base & Excavation Sewer & Water Parking Lots Subdivision Development Asphalt Supply Phone: (204) 237.6253 Fax: (204) 237.5032 www.bituminex.com info@bituminex.com Asphalt Paving Concrete Paving Base & Excavation Sewer & Water Parking Lots Subdivision Development Asphalt Supply Phone: (204) 237.6253 Fax: (204) 237.5032 www.bituminex.com info@bituminex.com We are the industry leader in design-build telecommunications infrastructure specializing in: Turnkey solutions for fibre optic, coaxial, wireless and 5G networks Network and civil construction designs Proposal development and government funding submissions Construction of underground, aerial and wireless infrastructure Connecting cities, municipalities, First Nation communities, rural and remote locations 5 - 1595 Brookside Blvd Winnipeg, MB R2R 1V6 204.480.4647 | www.qutilities.com