The Corporation of the TOWN OF MILTON

Transcription

1 Report To: From: Committee of the Whole Linda Leeds, Director, Corporate Services and Treasurer Date: February 9, 2015 Report No: Subject: Recommendation: 2014 Corporate Health and Safety Annual Report That report be received for information. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This report will provide Council with Health and Safety activities and statistics for the year REPORT Background The Corporate Health and Safety program continues to expand and develop each year with a focus on reduced injury statistics and employee training and education. Corporate Health and Safety continues to work with the goal of continually improving health and safety strategies, programs and performance. Health and safety initiatives will not only reduce the cost of workplace injury and work-related illness but it can also lead to efficiencies, increased productivity, reduced downtime and an improved public image. As mandated by the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), the Town of Milton continues to manage health and safety by maintaining proactive due diligence. In health and safety due diligence means the employer shall take all reasonable precautions, under the particular circumstances, to prevent injuries and accidents in the workplace. We accomplish this through the development and review of policy and procedures, hazard awareness, employee training, workplace monitoring and inspections, safe work practices in complying with the regulations, accident reporting and investigation and documentation. Regardless of the type of task or service being performed, the health and safety of employees is our primary consideration. The OHSA clearly outlines the standards that an Ontario employer needs to abide by and the Town of Milton continues to establish reasonable care for all employees. Our low frequency and low severity of accidents/incidents is a reflection of the Corporate Health and Safety program which helps reduce Workplace Safety & Insurance (WSIB) payment costs and of course allows the Corporation to avoid criminal prosecution or

2 Page 2 of 5 fines. Based on several initiatives and program support, the Town has avoided the cost of substantial payments over time due to low lost-time injuries. Further, the Town has also gained monetary savings by avoiding potential fines or tickets from the Ministry of Labour. Good health and safety performance supports good business results. Discussion During 2014 there were a total of 40 incidents recorded. Out of the 40 work-related incidents, 17 resulted in reports being sent to the WSIB. The remaining 23 health and safety incident reports submitted to HR were not required to be sent to WSIB but were logged in the health and safety database and discussed at the Joint Health and Safety Committee meetings. Historical Statistical Summary: Total Incident/Accidents Medical Aid Claims Only - WSIB Medical Aid - M.A.* Lost Time Claims Lost Time - L.T.** Lost Time Hours *M.A. - If an employee requires medical attention from outside the workplace. **L.T. - The worker suffers a work-related injury/disease which results in being off work beyond the day of accident. As outlined in the above chart, in 2014, the Town had the same amount of lost-time claims as the previous year and a slight increase in the total Incident/Accidents. Due to the weather conditions last winter, many of the incidents were slips on ice. Most incidents were relatively minor in nature and modified duties were quickly implemented to allow the employees to return to work.

3 Page 3 of 5 Attached to this report as Appendix A, is a graph outlining the WSIB claims by department with both only medical aid or medical aid and subsequent lost-time away from work. The numbers include both full-time and part-time employees. WSIB Payment Costs: As a Schedule 2 employer, the Town is self-insured and therefore liable for all current and future-claim costs. To limit the Town s liability against any large claims, excess coverage insurance has been in place since Excess insurance premiums are based on total payroll. The following table outlines the expenditures by the Town for WSIB costs over the past four years: Year Cost 2014 $56, $52, $50, $54, Although lost time claims have remained low over the last couple of years, there is an on-going claim (although the employee is back to work) and the Town continues to incur costs with WSIB. Health care costs, rehabilitation costs and WSIB administration charges comprise our total annual costs. Maintaining a safe working environment to reduce any claims will ensure that these costs remain at low levels with a growing number of employees. Health and Safety Program Activities: Human Resources continues to work closely with the Joint Health and Safety Committees to ensure that the Corporate Health and Safety program is adhered to, that the Corporation remains compliant with applicable legislation and that appropriate training programs are being carried out. These committees meet on a regular basis to review health and safety issues, stay current with legislative changes, make recommendations for specific workplace changes related to health and safety and to inspect the workplaces in an effort to provide a high level of comfort and safety for all staff.

4 Page 4 of 5 During 2014, in addition to ongoing health and safety program work and Joint Health and Safety Committee support, other health and safety activities included: Several health and safety orientation and training sessions for full-time, part-time as well as summer students and seasonal employees, which includes a section on workplace violence and WHMIS, was held. Health and Safety orientation was conducted for Council in November. As part of the Town s commitment to providing a healthy and safe working environment, educating employees plays an important part. Harassment training, to provide awareness to employees on what constitutes harassment, how to ensure you are not inadvertently engaging in harassing behaviour and how to report instances of harassment was held for both full-time and part-time staff in the fall. Under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), new Occupational Health and Safety Awareness and Training regulations came into force on July 1, This training focuses on the health and safety rights and responsibilities of workers, supervisors and employers. All employees completed the on-line modules for the health and safety awareness training program. As required by law, fire drills were performed, with the cooperation of the Fire Department. Several ergonomics checks and improvements were made for staff to be able to work more safely and comfortably at their workstations. Workplace Inspections at all facilities were completed. First Aid/CPR training was held for staff who are required to have the certification to maintain Town compliance in regards to our First Aid Requirements, Regulation Relationship to the Strategic Plan Continued support from Council and the Senior Management Team to the health and safety program will demonstrate our commitment to providing a healthy and safe working environment for our employees, supporting the strategic goal of a responsible, cost effective and accountable local government. Financial Impact There is no financial impact associated with this report. Respectfully submitted, Linda Leeds, CPA, CGA Director, Corporate Services and Treasurer For questions, please contact: Christina McTavish x2129

5 Page 5 of 5 Attachments Appendix A: WSIB Claim Statistics by Department CAO Approval William Mann, MCIP, RPP, OALA, CSLA, MCIF, RPF Chief Administrative Officer

6 Appendix A WSIB Claim Statistics by Department *M.A. - If an employee requires medical attention from outside the workplace. **L.T. - The worker suffers a work-related injury/disease which results in being off work beyond the day of accident.