Saskatchewan manufacturers report that the Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) has cut off funding for workplace safety programs. The Manufacturers’ Safety Group believes this action is retribution for not fully cooperating with a WCB audit.
Saskatchewan’s manufacturing sector had seen a significant drop in workplace injuries due to safety training programs. This effort received $1.4 million annually from the WCB. However, the funding was halted due to a dispute over a program audit.
Desira Rostad, executive director of the Safety Association of Saskatchewan Manufacturers, emphasized the impact on employees, employers, and their families. She noted that injury prevention efforts are now on hold in the manufacturing sector.
The WCB requested a detailed account of how its $1.4 million annual funding was spent. Manufacturers claimed they complied. However, problems arose when WCB wanted to audit safety programs it had not funded.
“We had confidentiality agreements to access our manufacturers’ sites,” Rostad explained. “It was crucial not to share this information due to intellectual property concerns. Trust is essential in our work.”
Saskatchewan’s Heavy Construction Association is now intervening on behalf of manufacturers who are also members of their organization.
“Our concern is government overreach affecting safety standards development,” said Shantel Lipp. “We believe the industry should dictate these standards, not the government.”
Phil Zajac, leader of Saskatchewan’s Buffalo Party, claims to have leaked information about a meeting attended by government officials.
“There was a large meeting with various safety associations,” he stated. “They presented evidence of bullying.”
In a written statement, the government responded, “The WCB has a legal responsibility to ensure that funds distributed to safety associations are used for their intended purposes.”
The government might consider changing program delivery. It assures that the work of safety associations will continue, though the format might change.