WorkSafeNB is looking for input as they consider improvements to the workers’ compensation system.
It comes after a comprehensive review of workers’ compensation legislation completed by WorkSafeNB and the province in 2021.
The board is consulting on two benefit improvements it says would reduce the financial burden for injured workers.
Increasing the percentage paid for loss of earning benefits from 85 to 90 per cent, and boosting the maximum annual earnings threshold so more workers have their full wages covered.
“Loss of earning benefits were reduced almost 30 years ago when WorkSafeNB was underfunded,” board chairperson Mel Norton said in a news release.
“Now that we are fully funded and employer assessment rates have stabilized, we want to take the opportunity to revisit this benefit with our stakeholders.”
According to WorkSafeNB, the province is also slightly below the national average for the proportion of its workforce that has 100 per cent of their pre-accident earnings covered.
“Increasing the threshold would ensure more workers could focus on their recovery instead of their bills,” said the release.
The deadline for feedback is June 13. You can find a survey and more details on WorkSafeNB’s website.
