Leading Disability Management and Workers’ Compensation Firm Organizational Solutions Inc. have expressed their concerns about the financial and legal impact new proposed Work Safe Insurance Board (WSIB) changes will have for employers.

Every year in Ontario around 200,000 employees will be affected by some type of injury or illness, impacting employers who rely on productivity and the ability of those they hire to work.

Recently released, the WSIB proposals warn that the responsibility is on the employer in the return to work process.

They also outline a process for enforcing penalties on employers and workers for non co-operation and for re-employment obligations.

Employers within the New Experimental Experience Rating Program (NEER) are also concerned.

NEER provides rebates for good workplace safety records and surcharges otherwise.

As part of the new policies the WSIB proposes to extend the current three year NEER review window to four years, starting with the 2008 accident year.

For 23 years Dr. Liz Scott PhD, the principal of Organizational Solutions Inc., has gained extensive experience with disability management in the workplace.

A leading speaker and thought-leader on the subject, she founded the company in 2003 on a unique, proactive and cost efficient approach that would benefit both employers and their employees.

Today the success of these programmes means the company has offices from coast to coast and actively represents over 700 clients.

"Our main concern is the impact these changes will have for our employers and we are lobbying against these changes on their behalf," says Dr. Scott,

"our programs are based on early and safe return to work, benefiting both the employee and the bottom line of our clients.

Extending the NEER window from 3 to 4 years means that 2008 will now affect our employers for four years, many may not be expecting the financial hit this could bring.

"We pride our team on significantly lowering surcharges among our clients, turning surcharges into rebates and returning employees to work as quickly and safely as possible.

It is a fair-fair situation for both employers and employees as functional capability in a job has been shown to increase self-esteem, improve the standard of life and benefit overall workplace morale.

At all times we work to the best practices in our field, improving workplaces and benefiting the company’s bottom line.

What we say to employers concerned about the recent proposed changes is come speak to us, Organizational Solutions Inc. can guide you through the maze of disability management, return to work policies and workers’ compensation costs.

We can reduce the financial and administrative burden and explain what the WSIB proposed changes could mean to your business.”

The interim return to work integration policies took effect on December 1, 2010 with a timeframe for stakeholders to submit their responses in writing until February 15, 2011. Necessary refinements may be made before the policies are then finalized.

For more information on what the proposed changes could mean for your company or call Organizational Solutions Inc. on 1-866-674-7656, fax 1-866-511-008, email info@orgsoln.com

...BACK TO NEWS