Nova Scotia Fisheries Sector Council Fisheries Safety Association.

Nova Scotia Fisheries Sector Council

Fisheries Safety Association

BackgroundBackground Workers’ Compensation rates in the fishing Workers’ Compensation rates in the fishing

industry (harvesting, processing and aquaculture) industry (harvesting, processing and aquaculture) have continued to rise over the last number of have continued to rise over the last number of years. years.

If rates continue to escalate, the industry will face If rates continue to escalate, the industry will face greater challenges in remaining competitive in greater challenges in remaining competitive in the global marketplace. the global marketplace.

Competitive issues such as a strong competition Competitive issues such as a strong competition from other countries, exchange rate issues, from other countries, exchange rate issues, escalating fuel and energy costs have made it escalating fuel and energy costs have made it difficult for the industry to remain competitive. difficult for the industry to remain competitive.

Every extra dollar paid in Workers’ Compensation Every extra dollar paid in Workers’ Compensation is a dollar less that can be invested in plant is a dollar less that can be invested in plant facilities, fishing enterprise, marketing activities facilities, fishing enterprise, marketing activities or employment. or employment.

SIC 321 – Aquaculture/Services Incidental to Fishing

IN 2007:• 4% of industry sector payroll• Total of 41 injuries – 45 in sector• 38% (14 people) missed 3+ days of work• Total of 102 work weeks lost to date for

these injuries – equivalent to 2 people each missing one year of worktime

• Average of 7 weeks lost per TL claim – still growing!

• $0.5 Million paid in WCB premiums

Rate History SIC 321Aquaculture/Services Incidental to Fishing

$2.9

4

$2.8

6

$3.2

8

$3.2

0$3.8

5

$4.1

8

$4.0

7$4.6

4

$4.4

2

$5.4

2 $6.0

9

$6.0

5

$6.5

1

$5.7

8

$6.9

5

$0.00

$1.00

$2.00

$3.00

$4.00

$5.00

$6.00

$7.00

2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

Min

Base

Max

Total ClaimsSIC 321 – Aquaculture/Services Incidental to Fishing

28

12

27

17

26

15

23

18

28

18

27

14

0

10

20

30

40

50

2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007

Time Loss

Non-Time Loss

Total 2-Year Claims CostsSIC 321 – Aquaculture/Services Incidental to Fishing

$2

23

,92

8

$6

2,8

92

$8

7,9

15

$1

06

,21

4

$1

24

,07

0

$1

43

,99

5

$0

$50,000

$100,000

$150,000

$200,000

$250,000

2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006

Costs used in 2008 industry rate setting

Projected Baseline Assessment RateAquaculture/Services Incidental to Fishing

$0.00

$1.00

$2.00

$3.00

$4.00

$5.00

$6.00

2001 2003 2005 2007 2009 2011 2013

2009 $4.18

2014 $4.56

8% Increase

In Rate

2001 $2.87

Rate History SIC 311 – Salt Water Fishing

$5.2

4

$5.1

1

$5.0

6

$5.0

4

$4.6

9

$7.4

8

$7.2

9

$7.2

2

$7.1

9

$6.6

9

$11.

92

$11.

63

$11.

55

$10.

97

$10.

44

$0.00

$2.00

$4.00

$6.00

$8.00

$10.00

$12.00

2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

Min

Base

Max

Projected Baseline Assessment RateSalt Water Fishing

$0.00

$1.00

$2.00

$3.00

$4.00

$5.00

$6.00

$7.00

$8.00

$9.00

2001 2003 2005 2007 2009 2011 2013

2009 $7.48

2014 $8.8718% Increase

In Rate

2001 $6.53

Rate History SIC 1021 – Fish Products

$3.6

6

$3.8

1

$3.5

2

$3.5

3

$3.0

1

$5.1

9

$5.2

5

$4.9

6

$4.9

5

$4.2

9

$8.2

3

$7.9

3

$7.5

3

$7.8

4

$6.8

6

$0.00

$1.00

$2.00

$3.00

$4.00

$5.00

$6.00

$7.00

$8.00

2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

Min

Base

Max

Projected Baseline Assessment RateFish Products

$0.00

$1.00

$2.00

$3.00

$4.00

$5.00

$6.00

$7.00

2001 2003 2005 2007 2009 2011 2013

2009 $5.19

2014 $6.67

28% Increase

In Rate

2001 $3.21

TOP 3 NATURES OF INJURY: 2007

HarvestingClaim #s

Processing Claim #s

Aquaculture Claim #s

Other traumatic injuries and disorders

77 110 5

Traumatic injuries to muscles

62 n/a 15

Surface wounds and bruises/Open wounds

46 87 n/a

Traumatic injuries and disorders

62 86 6

TOP 3 Parts of Body Injured: 2007

HarvestingClaim #s

Processing Claim #s


Back 52 93 6

Fingers (s) 35 90 n/a

Leg (s) 32 n/a 4

Hand n/a 35 n/a

Arm (s) n/a n/a 6

TOP 3 Events: 2007

HarvestingClaim #s

Processing Claim #s


Struck by object 51 81 5

Overexertion 52 79 7

Non classifiable n/a 57 n/a

Bodily reaction 36 n/a 4

What has been done to dateWhat has been done to date 2004 Processing Sector recognized the issue of 2004 Processing Sector recognized the issue of

escalating rates and commissioned a study “Study escalating rates and commissioned a study “Study of Accident Costs in the Fish Processing Sector”of Accident Costs in the Fish Processing Sector”

Number of recommendations were put forward for Number of recommendations were put forward for considerationconsideration

Strategic Planning sessions were held with industry Strategic Planning sessions were held with industry around the recommendations. Consensus that around the recommendations. Consensus that industry is ready to tackle issues related to safety industry is ready to tackle issues related to safety and escalating WCB premiums on an industry-wide and escalating WCB premiums on an industry-wide basisbasis

Processing sector explored way they could work Processing sector explored way they could work together. There was support to form a safety together. There was support to form a safety association. We were unable to gain consensus on association. We were unable to gain consensus on a levy funded model at that time a levy funded model at that time

What has been done to dateWhat has been done to date In 2007 the harvesting and aquaculture In 2007 the harvesting and aquaculture

sectors came together to explore the issue. A sectors came together to explore the issue. A baseline study was completed by the NSFSC, baseline study was completed by the NSFSC, which captured information regarding which captured information regarding accidents and injuries in the sectors. Key accidents and injuries in the sectors. Key issues were identified, along with issues were identified, along with recommendations for industry to consider.recommendations for industry to consider.

Consultation/Information sessions were held Consultation/Information sessions were held with industry in a number of locations (5). with industry in a number of locations (5). The recommendations were presented for The recommendations were presented for consideration. There was consensus from consideration. There was consensus from those that participated that industry should those that participated that industry should work together to combat this issue.work together to combat this issue.

Concept of a Safety Assoc. for Concept of a Safety Assoc. for the Fishing Industrythe Fishing Industry

The issue around improving safety is a The issue around improving safety is a shared responsibility. shared responsibility.

All companies, individuals, etc in the All companies, individuals, etc in the sector share the cost of accidents/injuries. sector share the cost of accidents/injuries.

Working together to improve this will Working together to improve this will benefit all sectors of the fishing industry. benefit all sectors of the fishing industry.

This can be achieved by having a Safety This can be achieved by having a Safety Association. Association.

Formation of a Safety Assoc. Formation of a Safety Assoc. for the Fishing Industryfor the Fishing Industry

The NSFSC has secured funding for a two year The NSFSC has secured funding for a two year period from the WCBNS, in hopes of the period from the WCBNS, in hopes of the formation of a safety association, supported by formation of a safety association, supported by the fishing industry. the fishing industry.

An advisory committee has been formed, with An advisory committee has been formed, with representation from all sectors of the fishery. representation from all sectors of the fishery. This committee has endorsed a strategy for This committee has endorsed a strategy for industry to consider for the formation of a industry to consider for the formation of a safety association.safety association.

Options for consideration in the area of Options for consideration in the area of governance, structure, mandate, objectives, governance, structure, mandate, objectives, activities, expected outcomes and funding have activities, expected outcomes and funding have been outlined. been outlined.

Safety Associations in Nova Safety Associations in Nova ScotiaScotia

It has been recognized by other industries that It has been recognized by other industries that working collectively on issues related to safety working collectively on issues related to safety have assisted in building a safety culture among have assisted in building a safety culture among employees and employers. The end result has employees and employers. The end result has been fewer accidents/injuries and a reduction in been fewer accidents/injuries and a reduction in workers’ compensation rates.workers’ compensation rates.

Current Assoc. – Trucking, Forestry, Construction, Current Assoc. – Trucking, Forestry, Construction, and Retail Gasoline. Future associations for and Retail Gasoline. Future associations for Health Care & Retail Auto Dealers.Health Care & Retail Auto Dealers.

Ex: Forestry – reduced WCB rates by 40% in the Ex: Forestry – reduced WCB rates by 40% in the last 5 years.last 5 years.

FSS was able to do this by having a strong FSS was able to do this by having a strong commitment to safety and injured workers’ early commitment to safety and injured workers’ early and safe return to work, along with preventing and safe return to work, along with preventing injuries.injuries.

Process for setting up Safety Process for setting up Safety Assoc. in NSAssoc. in NS

Go through NSDLWD (formerly NSDEL) to Go through NSDLWD (formerly NSDEL) to establish an Order in Councilestablish an Order in Council

Industry needs to be defined (SIC’s)Industry needs to be defined (SIC’s) State % in favour or opposed to the State % in favour or opposed to the

establishmentestablishment Objectives would need to be described, and Objectives would need to be described, and

how they would be achievedhow they would be achieved Funding mechanism would need to be Funding mechanism would need to be

establishedestablished If the Order in Council is approved, WCBNS will If the Order in Council is approved, WCBNS will

collect funds from the individuals in the SIC’s collect funds from the individuals in the SIC’s and make payment to the specified and make payment to the specified associationassociation

The safety association would be required to The safety association would be required to provide annual activity reports to the NSDLWDprovide annual activity reports to the NSDLWD

MandateMandate

The mandate of the safety association The mandate of the safety association would directly relate to enhancing would directly relate to enhancing safety, making the industry more safety, making the industry more attractive for new employees and attractive for new employees and keeping the existing employees safe and keeping the existing employees safe and healthy. The association’s work will healthy. The association’s work will result in a reduction of accidents/injuries, result in a reduction of accidents/injuries, along with workers compensation rates along with workers compensation rates for the fishing industry.for the fishing industry.

ObjectivesObjectives To facilitate a change process to create To facilitate a change process to create

safer workplaces, which will in turn assist safer workplaces, which will in turn assist in a safe return to work and injury in a safe return to work and injury prevention.prevention.

To develop and provide educational tools To develop and provide educational tools to help reduce the number of injuries to help reduce the number of injuries occurring in the fishing industry.occurring in the fishing industry.

To increase awareness of costs To increase awareness of costs association with workplace injury in the association with workplace injury in the fishing industry.fishing industry.

Functions of a Safety Functions of a Safety AssociationAssociation

Prevention EducationPrevention Education Implementation of an accident Implementation of an accident

prevention strategy for the fishing prevention strategy for the fishing industry. Educate the industry on industry. Educate the industry on accident investigation, preventing accident investigation, preventing workplace injuries, ergonomics, etc.workplace injuries, ergonomics, etc.


Undertake concrete activities that Undertake concrete activities that are of direct interest to industry and are of direct interest to industry and that have the potential to have a that have the potential to have a positive affect on rates. This can be positive affect on rates. This can be in the form of developing educational in the form of developing educational tools.tools.


AdvocacyAdvocacy The association would have the The association would have the

capacity to undertake research on capacity to undertake research on causes of escalating rates. Research causes of escalating rates. Research could also be done on the economic could also be done on the economic impacts that could result from the impacts that could result from the continuation of escalating costs that continuation of escalating costs that could make the fishing industry in the could make the fishing industry in the province less competitive.province less competitive.


Continue the dialogue with Workers’ Continue the dialogue with Workers’ Compensation Board and Compensation Board and Government in their efforts to Government in their efforts to implement improved medical implement improved medical services in a timely fashion – ie: services in a timely fashion – ie: Doctor’s Nova Scotia and the Doctor’s Nova Scotia and the Physiotherapy contract. Physiotherapy contract.

Work with all stakeholders that have Work with all stakeholders that have a keen interest in improving a keen interest in improving workplace safety.workplace safety.


Communication and AwarenessCommunication and Awareness There will be a means to show industry wide There will be a means to show industry wide

leadership on the issue of safety. leadership on the issue of safety. Increase awareness of safety and celebrate Increase awareness of safety and celebrate

success.success. Promote a safety culture in the industry.Promote a safety culture in the industry. The association would have the means to The association would have the means to

communicate with industry on causes, and communicate with industry on causes, and various specific activities that can address various specific activities that can address these.these.

Expected OutcomesExpected OutcomesBy having a safety association in place By having a safety association in place

the following outcomes are expected the following outcomes are expected to take place:to take place:

There will be a structure in place to There will be a structure in place to provide industry wide leadership on provide industry wide leadership on the issue of safety.the issue of safety.

There will be broadened awareness There will be broadened awareness around accident prevention among around accident prevention among employers and employees.employers and employees.

Increase communication around Increase communication around health and safety within the fishing health and safety within the fishing industry.industry.

Expected OutcomesExpected Outcomes The safety association would be The safety association would be

recognized by the Province of NS, recognized by the Province of NS, Workers’ Compensation Board of Workers’ Compensation Board of Nova Scotia, and the safety Nova Scotia, and the safety community.community.

Due to the increased efforts around Due to the increased efforts around building a safety culture, building a safety culture, accidents/injuries will be reduced, accidents/injuries will be reduced, which will lower workers’ which will lower workers’ compensation rates.compensation rates.

Exploring the Option of a Exploring the Option of a Safety Association for the Safety Association for the

Fishing IndustryFishing Industry Advisory committee endorsed a Advisory committee endorsed a

strategy which outlined options for strategy which outlined options for industry to consider (Spring/Summer industry to consider (Spring/Summer 2008)2008)

Full mail out conducted to all SIC’s in Full mail out conducted to all SIC’s in Nova Scotia (1306) (Fall 2008)Nova Scotia (1306) (Fall 2008)

Consultation sessions held in Oct Consultation sessions held in Oct (Yarmouth, Shelburne, Port (Yarmouth, Shelburne, Port Hawkesbury and Halifax)Hawkesbury and Halifax)


Fishing IndustryFishing Industry Feedback given from those that Feedback given from those that

participated that they were in participated that they were in support to form a safety associationsupport to form a safety association

Options to consider were presented Options to consider were presented in relation to structure, governance, in relation to structure, governance, activities, funding options, etc.activities, funding options, etc.


Fishing IndustryFishing Industry Advisory committee met in Nov 08 to Advisory committee met in Nov 08 to

decide how to proceed.decide how to proceed. Agreed on: Agreed on:

Co-existing structure (housed within the Co-existing structure (housed within the NSFSC office), NSFSC office),

Independent board (15 person – 5 H, 5 P,3 Independent board (15 person – 5 H, 5 P,3 A, 2 NSFSC, Ex-officio), A, 2 NSFSC, Ex-officio),

Membership fee option ($200/$2000 Membership fee option ($200/$2000 premium, $100/$1000 premium, $50/under premium, $100/$1000 premium, $50/under $1000 premium$1000 premium

Activities based on amount of revenue Activities based on amount of revenue collectedcollected


Fishing IndustryFishing Industry Agreed on: Agreed on:

Activities based on amount of revenue Activities based on amount of revenue collectedcollected

Full time EmployeeFull time Employee Safety Advocate for IndustrySafety Advocate for Industry Communication and AwarenessCommunication and Awareness Programming for employers around Accident Programming for employers around Accident

PreventionPrevention Develop industry specific trainingDevelop industry specific training Training at a reduced rateTraining at a reduced rate

Newsletter mailed to all SIC’s Jan 09, Newsletter mailed to all SIC’s Jan 09, info provided, opportunity for info provided, opportunity for feedback by Febfeedback by Feb

Next StepsNext Steps

Assess feedback received from Assess feedback received from mailoutmailout

Secure letters of supportSecure letters of support Educate MLA’sEducate MLA’s Develop Order in CouncilDevelop Order in Council Continue to communicate Continue to communicate

information to industryinformation to industry

Nova Scotia Fisheries Sector Council Fisheries Safety Association.

Documents

Transcript of Nova Scotia Fisheries Sector Council Fisheries Safety Association.