| Policy Spotlight | |
Our Governance Council approved revisions to five policies at its recent meeting: 00.06, Third Party Actions; 02.08, Safe Advantage; 03.12, Pre-Existing Conditions (formerly Pre-Existing Disability); 04.10, Employer Cost Transfer and Relief; 04.14, Return to Work; and rescinded two policies, 02.09, Safe Advantage Prevention Programs; 02.10, Safe Advantage Program: Return to Work
To view all current policies, including those under review, visit our website. | |
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Greetings!
The end of another year is just around the corner, which can mean many things. Days spent in front of the fire with your family, wrapping and unwrapping presents, and indulging in mouthfuls of chocolate or stuffing.
Now is the time to spend precious time with your friends and family, take moments for yourself, and take the time to be safe. With the cold weather outside and the rush to finish work, accidents can occur more easily. The holiday season is a hectic time for us and it is important to continue to work safely.
The end of another year also means it's time to think about how you can manage your assessment rates going forward. Stakeholders must uphold safety standards to ensure safe workplaces without incident and injury. Although our Governance Council strives to keep assessment rates as low as possible, it really is a team effort.
Be thankful for your health and your family, and think about how to stay safe in 2012. Merry Christmas and happy holidays from everyone at the WSCC, and all the best for a safe New Year.
Sincerely,
Dave Grundy
President & CEO |
Employer Payroll Statements
Employer Payroll Statements are in the mail for the 2012 year. Remember, you can avoid a penalty by submitting your forms before the February 28, 2012, deadline. The late reporting penalty is 15%. Make sure you complete all three pages of the Employer's Payroll Statement.
If you have any questions, contact Employer Services at 1-800-661-0792. |
Personal Optional Coverage
Most workers receive WSCC coverage automatically through their employers. Those that don't receive coverage include executive officers of corporations, business owners with workers, and self-employed individuals with no workers. However, you can buy Personal Optional Coverage to get the same benefits as other workers in case of workplace injury or disease. You can apply for coverage for any period between one month and one full calendar year. You must renew your coverage each year. Personal Optional Coverage renewals are due December 31, 2011.
To apply for Personal Optional Coverage, fill out and submit the Personal Optional Coverage form available at on our website, or by contacting Employer Services at 1-800-661-0792. |
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Saying Goodbye to Reflections Magazine
The final issue of Reflections is almost ready to hit the press, with a January release. Some of the articles include:
- Hand Protection;
- Permanent Medical Impairment (PMI);
- Looking Back: Reflections Retrospective;
- Mercury: What It Means for Safety in the North; and
- Present and Accounted For: Mine Rescue in the North.
Our stakeholders spoke and we're responding. We will no longer produce a printed magazine. WSCC employees are busy creating an exciting new electronic publication, available in 2012, that will be more environmentally and fiscally responsible.
Email us if you want to receive this new publication. |
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Introducing a New Vision, Mission, Values
In January 2012, we debut our vision to reflect a new way of looking towards the future. Our vision is to eliminate workplace diseases and injuries. To some, this may seem ambitious; to us, it is a definition of success. Our mission explains why we exist: In partnership with stakeholders, we ensure workplace safety, and care for workers. Together, we can stop unnecessary workplace incidents and the suffering and loss that results. At the end of each day, our success relies on your family and friends getting home from work safe and sound.
These statements are not just words on paper. Along with our organizational values, they motivate us and guide our actions. Our values - respect, engagement, integrity, openness, and excellence express our organization's fundamental beliefs. They define how we act towards each other, and what you can expect in your interactions with us. |
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Holiday Closure
During the holiday season, our offices close for NWT Public Service mandatory leave at 5pm local time on December 21, 2011, and reopen at 8:30am on January 3, 2012.
 To report a workplace incident or for items needing immediate attention, please call 1-800-662-0792 and leave a message. A WSCC employee will return your call.
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| Safety Tip: Working in Cold Weather
Working in cold weather brings its own set of challenges for both equipment and workers.
With this in mind, here are some tips to stay safe when working in the chilly days of winter:
- Wear cotton or polypropylene long underwear for overall warmth.
- Wear many layers of light, loose-fitting clothes. Air between layers provides warmth. Outer wear should be waterproof.
- Cover exposed skin. Cold and wind can cause frostbite to occur in as little as 30 seconds. Pull your scarf up over your nose and cover your ears.
- Wear mittens instead of gloves whenever possible; mittens are warmer.
- Keep moving.
- Carry an extra pair of socks where moisture or sweat is likely, and change when necessary.
- Protect your vision from UV rays. Wear appropriate sunglasses to reflect the glare when you work on snow, ice, or a bright day.
- Use suspenders instead of belts. Tight belts can constrict blood circulation.
- Recognize the signs of hypothermia (confusion, lethargy, pale skin) and frostbite (numbness or localized pain, swelling, blistering, and grey, waxy skin).
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Quality Assurance
The Workers' Safety and Compensation Commission commits to service excellence. Share your suggestions with our President on how to serve you better. Email or call (867) 920-3888, or toll free at (800) 661-0792. |
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We Want to Hear From You
Insight: A Look at Safety and Service helps keep you current on WSCC information. If you have suggestions of how we can make it better, let us know! |
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