< PreviousOUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND BOARD COMMITTEESBy statute, the Board of Directors consists of 10 members appointed by the Government of Manitoba after consultation with employers, labour and the public. The tripartite representation includes a neutral Board Chairperson, three representatives of employers, three representatives of workers and three representatives of the public interest. The President and CEO is a non-voting member of the Board.As stewards of the compensation system, the Board of Directors plans for its future. The Board of Directors sets the WCB’s strategic direction; makes policies about compensation, rehabilitation, assessment, prevention and investment of the funds within the investment portfolio; and monitors progress in these areas.Audit Committee External Member – Donald SobkowFinance CommitteeInvestment Committee External Members – Bob Darling, Brad Peacock and Cathy RollandPolicy, Planning, Governance and Service CommitteePrevention Committee External Members – Rick Farley; Chris Lorenc (to June 2015); Don Hurst, Chief Prevention Officer (to March 2015); Dennis Nikkel, Chief Prevention Officer (from August 2015); Dave Dyson, Acting Deputy Minister, Labour and ImmigrationThe Chairperson of the Board of Directors is a member of all committees. The President and CEO is an ex-officio member of all committees.For a description on the responsibilities of each committee, see the Terms of Reference available at www.wcb.mb.ca/board-and-executiveRepresentatives of employers:Paul ChallonerChris Lorenc (from July 2015)Jane MacKayRepresentatives of workers:Rob LabossiereWendy SolRon StecyRepresentatives of the public interest:Jan Schubert (from February 2015)Colleen SeymourKen SutherlandMichael D. Werier, ChairpersonWinston Maharaj, President and CEO10 | 2015 WCB ANNUAL REPORT OUR LEADERS – EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEEOur Executive Management Committee oversees the strategic direction of the WCB and leads a diverse group of employees who fulfill the WCB’s vision: A trusted partner, insuring today and building a safer tomorrow.(standing left to right): Warren Preece, Director, Communications; Lori Ferguson Sain, General Counsel and Vice President, Compliance and Corporate Services; Winston Maharaj, President and CEO; Alice Sayant, Vice President, Strategy and Assessment Services; David Scott, Vice President, People, Technology and Innovation Services(seated left to right): Lorena Trann, Chief Financial Officer, Finance and Administrative Services; Jamie Hall, Chief Operating Officer, SAFE Work Manitoba; Stu Charles, Chief Information Officer; Darren Oryniak, Vice President, Compensation Services2015 WCB ANNUAL REPORT | 11OUR CUSTOMERSProviding compassionate and responsive service to injured workers has always been top of mind at the WCB. In 2015, to ensure consistency in how we serve injured workers, we developed best practices by pooling our knowledge and fine-tuning our approach to the most complex cases. We also established a Claims Service Centre staffed by representatives who are able to help the majority of injured workers with their questions and approve some medical expenses. This “real time” service is already reaping benefits by speeding up approvals and communication with our customers.In 2015, the WCB completed a customer journey map for injured workers that identifies, from the worker’s perspective, where our service meets expectations and where we could still improve. This exercise resulted in a number of recommendations, including technology upgrades, enhancements to the Voice of the Customer program and improvements to enable customers to use their preferred channel to interact with the WCB. We also developed realistic customer profiles that will be incorporated into training to help our staff understand and anticipate individual needs. At the end of the year, the WCB embarked on a customer journey map for employers.The WCB introduced a Compliance Self-Evaluator tool in 2015 that employers can use to ensure they are meeting their legal responsibilities. Following a self-evaluation, they are encouraged to seek assistance from Compliance Services. Both the WCB and employers prefer this collaborative approach, with many employers reaching out for assistance to ensure they have the necessary resources to meet their obligations. The WCB also introduced an information package for newly-registered employers.The WCB completed the rollout of FlexPay, its enhanced payroll reporting and assessment payment system, in 2015. All employers may now select a payment option that suits their needs. Nearly 40 per cent of employers enjoyed the convenience of online payroll reporting and approximately 30 per cent of employers opted into the new electronic payment options.The WCB is also working with employers to establish or strengthen their return to work programs so that injured workers are able to return quickly and safely to meaningful work. Our enhanced business intelligence is helping us to identify workplaces that might benefit from our return to work consulting services.12 | 2015 WCB ANNUAL REPORT CUSTOMER SATISFACTION*TARGETINJURED WORKEREMPLOYER71%77%80%WORKER SATISFACTION WITH WCB SUPPORT FOR RETURN TO WORK*TARGET 80%RESULT 63%CLAIMS PAID WITHIN 14 DAYS OF INJURY*TARGET 70%RESULT 66%*For a five year historical trend, see page 24.2015 WCB ANNUAL REPORT | 1370%injured worker benefits 51% claim costs 19% future claim costsWHERE DOES THE MONEY GO?3%Prov of MB Workplace Safety and Health Department and Appeal Commission funding25%administration2%SAFE Work ManitobaRESERVES AND FUNDING*FUNDING RATIOTARGET 130%RESULT 143.3%REVIEW OFFICE RECONSIDERATIONS*73% ADJUDICATIVE DECISIONS CONFIRMED*For a five year historical trend, see pages 24-25.CLAIM DURATION*AVERAGE DAYS PAIDTARGET 34RESULT 31.414 | 2015 WCB ANNUAL REPORT OUR SYSTEMAt the WCB, we are committed to protecting the integrity of the workers compensation system. Our strong financial position ensures that workers and employers can continue to benefit from our prevention, compensation and return to work services in the future. In 2015 we achieved an operating surplus of $95 million after lowering the average assessment rate to $1.30 ($1.50 in 2014), which is the third lowest rate among Canadian WCBs. Our funded position is now 143.3 per cent (136.0 per cent in 2014).Following consultation with stakeholders, in 2015 the WCB announced that we are moving towards a more fair and balanced assessment rate model. The new system will decrease rate volatility and provide more collective liability protection. While increased protection will cost some small and medium employers a slightly higher assessment rate, the changes mean that a high cost claim will not result in five consecutive years of large rate increases as was the case under the old rate model. Some rate model changes are effective in 2016, while others will be phased in by 2020. The changes were communicated broadly to stakeholders in meetings and presentations, as well as by mail and on the WCB website.Having employers and workers understand their rights and responsibilities ensures that a strong and responsive compensation system is here for those who need it. Our Compliance Services team has made great inroads in the past year. The compliance program has as its foundation a strong education component with the goal of ensuring employers and workers understand and comply with their rights and obligations under the law. A number of new resources were made available to employers to ensure they are meeting their legal obligations.In 2015, the WCB gathered stakeholder input on workers compensation coverage for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) on behalf of the Government of Manitoba. Following the consultation, new legislation was put in place so that PTSD will be considered a presumptive workplace injury to any worker who is exposed on the job to the specific type of traumatic events that trigger PTSD, and is subsequently diagnosed with PTSD. The psychological injuries policy was aligned with the new legislation and plans were put in place to implement the new presumption that became effective on January 1, 2016.In 2015, the WCB completed a multi-year initiative to modernize its quality assurance program. The program is based on a rigorous methodology that measures adherence to standards across various dimensions and periods in the life of a claim. The program will give the WCB a rich source of data to drive continuous improvement in claims management.2015 WCB ANNUAL REPORT | 15OUR PARTNERSCollaborating with our partners to deliver superior compensation and return to work services and build a safer Manitoba is a priority for us. We continue to work with and support a number of organizations that share our vision. By sponsoring and participating in tradeshows and conferences led by partners such as the Construction Safety Association of Manitoba, the Manitoba Heavy Construction Association and Safety Services Manitoba, we are active in the communities where our customers work.We also are proud to support diversity in the workplace and demonstrate this value in a number of ways, from sponsoring the Manitoba Aboriginal Youth Achievement Awards, to supporting the Aboriginal Business Education Partners at the University of Manitoba to working with Connect Employment Services, an organization that provides job search and other assistance for persons with intellectual disabilities.Manitoba’s healthcare providers are an important link in providing services to injured workers. The WCB has been developing an electronic healthcare reporting and billing system to allow healthcare providers to submit the reports required for claims management. In 2015, the WCB consulted with physiotherapists to collaborate in designing a system to submit reports online, record and track patient visits, request consultations and input bills. A launch of the newly designed application is anticipated in early 2017. The system will result in improved timeliness and quality of reports, which will in turn support safe and timely return to work for injured workers.In 2015, the WCB continued to implement an external outreach plan to enhance communication with its stakeholders. This included meetings with employer organizations such as the Manitoba Employers Council, the Canadian Federation of Independent Business and the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce, various industry associations and labour organizations, including the Manitoba Federation of Labour. This initiative is enabling the WCB to track stakeholder interactions and have meaningful conversations on such topics as the new assessment rate model, the importance of returning workers to meaningful work and the value and benefits the compensation system delivers.Supporting our partners in Manitoba and being a valued member of the community is important to us. That’s why we partner with and support organizations like the United Way of Winnipeg. In 2015, our employee United Way campaign was the most successful to date, as staff contributions exceeded $107,000. Another way we support our partners is through the Research and Workplace Innovation Program (RWIP), which provides up to $1 million annually to help keep Manitobans safe at work, or recover and return to meaningful work as soon as it’s safe to do so if they are injured on the job.16 | 2015 WCB ANNUAL REPORT MANITOBANS WHO BELIEVE THE WCB MAKES A POSITIVE CONTRIBUTION TO THE PROVINCE*TARGET 70%RESULT 79%SPONSORSHIPSFUNDING PREVENTION: $85,114FUNDING OUR COMMUNITIES: $41,770FUNDING DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION: $7,949FUNDING HEALTH AND RETURN TO WORK: $23,700DONATIONS:$215,384STAFF CONTRIBUTIONS:$107,218PROJECTS FUNDED: 7 AT $917,746RESEARCH AND WORKPLACE INNOVATION PROGRAM*For a five year historical trend, see page 25.2015 WCB ANNUAL REPORT | 17INNOVATION INDEX*TARGET 80%RESULT 60%EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT*TARGET 80%RESULT 65%*For a five year historical trend, see page 25.SERVICE CULTURE INDEX*TARGET 80%RESULT 68%18 | 2015 WCB ANNUAL REPORT OUR PEOPLEOur Executive Management Committee (EMC) continues to explore new ways to engage with staff. In response to the 2015 Employee Engagement Survey, an action plan was developed in three areas: organizational vision; respect and ethics; and innovation. EMC hosted two town hall events known as “Exec Connect” in order to better connect with staff and share WCB’s Future State, a concrete description of our desired future.There are many opportunities for staff to connect with their colleagues throughout the year. From fitness classes, lunch ‘n’ learns, workshops, customer experience celebrations, corporate wellness challenges, the United Way campaign and plane pull to creating holiday hampers, there are many activities that contribute to our staff’s engagement and well-being while also supporting the communities where we live and work.In 2015, the innovation team at the WCB continued to focus on our strategic goal to build a culture that supports innovation. More than 20 innovation ideas were implemented ranging from intranet and website enhancements, automating back office processes and enabling videoconferencing to making changes to the performance evaluation process and developing a job shadow program. The innovation team continues to seek staff input about their ideas to better serve customers, improve efficiency and make the WCB a better place to work.In 2015, the WCB made a commitment to develop a Mentally Healthy and Safe Workplace strategy aimed at promoting optimal mental health for all employees. A number of mental health wellness events took place in the fall, including an assessment of workplace strengths and needs, a resiliency workshop, a lunch ‘n’ learn session featuring the Canadian Mental Health Association and mental health leadership training. Helping our people stay healthy creates a win-win situation for our employees and our organization.The WCB’s commitment to the physical and emotional well-being of our staff was an important factor in our being recognized for the fifth year in a row as one of Manitoba’s Top 25 Employers. This special designation recognizes the Manitoba employers that lead their industries in offering exceptional places to work.In compliance with The Public Interest Disclosure (Whistleblower Protection) Act, the WCB has whistleblower disclosure procedures in place. There were no disclosures reported in 2015.2015 WCB ANNUAL REPORT | 19Next >