2003/04 -- 2005/06 Service Plan -- Ministry of Skills Development and Labour

Objectives, Strategies, Performance Measures and Targets — Continued

Goal: Safe and healthy workplaces and a workers’ compensation system that is responsive to the needs of workers and employers alike.
Objective:	Fewer workplace injuries, illnesses and deaths.
Strategies:	Support employers in managing the risks and consequences of workplace illnesses and injuries; encourage workplaces to improve their safety practices. Provide information, education and training programs. Target employers and industries with poor safety records.
Objective:	Better compliance with WCA and OHS regulations.
Strategies:	To inspect workplaces for compliance, order corrective action and levy administrative penalties when there is repeated non-compliance or where workers have been exposed to serious risk of injury or disease. Ensure workers’ compensation system is responsive and meets the needs of employers and employees. Ensure WCA and OHS regulations are suited to today’s workplaces.
Objective:	Decrease number of appeals filed.
Strategies:	Facilitate employers’ and employees’ understanding of the workers’ compensation system, including appeal processes. Streamline appeal system.

Ministry Services Supporting Workers’ Compensation^{1 2}	Targets
	2001/02 Historical	2002/03 Base Data	2003/04 Target	2004/05 Target	2005/06 Target
Output Measures
Inquiries responded to by Workers’ Advisers Office.³	115,105	137,500	137,000	130,500	127,500
Inquiries responded to by Employers’ Advisers Office.	139,000	148,000	150,000	155,000	150,000
Advice/assistance provided by Employers’ Advisers Office.⁴	13,150	13,500	14,000	14,500	15,000
Employers’ Advisers Office information and skills development seminar participation.⁵	3,150	4,500	3,650	3,700	4,500


1	As an independent Crown agency, the WCB identifies and measures its own major objectives. Please visit the WCB’s Web site at www.worksafebc.com to view the agency’s annual reports, statistical reports and strategic plan.
2	As a result of changes to the Workers Compensation Act, the new independent Workers’ Compensation Appeal Tribunal is expected to be in full operation by March 2003. This tribunal replaces the Workers’ Compensation Review Board. As a result, performance measures for the WCRB do not appear in this year’s service plan.
3	Estimates and targets are based on impact of expected new legislation and reduction of appeal backlog.
4	Includes advice and assistance provided to new clients that fully addressed their needs at point of contact.
5	Includes employers, workers, safety committee members and professionals who attend EAO seminars on various components of workers’ compensation legislation. As noted above, this number is likely to increase in 2002/03 after new legislation is introduced.