Effecting “Real” Change in the WCB System

The opportunity  exists for WCB-Alberta to become the standard bearer in how all compensation systems are administered to achieve:

1.    Accountability for all stakeholders;

2.    Real time decision making capability; (that is, the same day claim information is submitted, a decision is provided); and

3.    Collaborative approach for returning injured employees back to the workplace.

The goal is “no time loss” as this is essential in ensuring that injured employees are not victimized by the bureaucracy through erosion of the occupational bond, and in keeping WCB premiums to a minimum. This goal is even more critical in key industries where good safety statistics determine whether a contract is awarded or not. Indeed, multi-million dollar contracts are being won or lost due to the number of time lost incidents and the number of time lost days. Progressive employers have concluded that they can no longer afford to wait for WCB to manage their injured employee’s rehabilitation and return-to-work.

WCB is being challenged to keep pace with the level of early intervention and involvement from this group of employers. Unfortunately, they are not able to provide the expedited adjudication that is required. Indeed, it can be easily demonstrated that WCB is the cause of unnecessary time lost claims and unnecessary time loss days. Currently time loss is resulting from three sources:

1. Safety failures (result of poor safety by the Employer);
2. Inability by WCB to provide early intervention in return-to-work planning; and
3. Employers not being actively involved.

WCB is failing in fulfilling its mission on focusing on return-to-work. As a result, is responsible for unnecessary time loss. Currently, the goal from date of accident to acceptance of claim and first payment is 14 days, to be obtained 55% of the time. WCB business procedures state that a return-to-work plan must be developed 10 days from claim acceptance. The best case of 24 days is unacceptable in today’s highly competitive market which requires "same day as injury" return-to-work planning and implementation.

Call to Action:

1. WCB must meet a new standard of service delivery by obtaining “real time” same day adjudication.

2. WCB needs to encourage employers through the Experience Rating Program to engage in case management activities and penalize those that do not.

3. WCB needs to re-examine their role and move towards adjudication and away from Case Management wherever possible.

In Alberta, we have the opportunity to effect real service delivery improvement due to the following:

• Current structure of WCB adjudication
• Progressive Employers with a vested interest; and
• Fact that a minority of employers are responsible for the majority of WCB claims.

To achieve real time decision making employers must take on the case management role. WCB needs enhanced collaboration with respect to information gathering and development of return-to-work proposals. If the employer is "doing the heavy lifting" then a reasonable expectation from WCB is real time service delivery.