(WINNIPEG) – December 3, 2015 marks the International Day of Persons with Disabilities to build global awareness, understanding and support for those affected by disability issues. The theme for this year is "Inclusion matters: access and empowerment for people of all abilities" which includes the area of employment. The Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba (WCB) encourages Manitobans to take this day to consider ways to improve inclusion in the workplace for people of all abilities.
Approximately 30,000 workplace injuries occur every year in Manitoba. Inclusive work environments help those workers recovering from an injury or illness remain active, productive and connected to the workplace.
"Contributing to the workplace, and utilizing one's abilities in an altered capacity, lessens the personal and financial impact of an injury or illness and aids in the recovery and overall wellness of the worker," said Winston Maharaj, President and CEO of the WCB. "Through our return to work efforts, we work collaboratively with workers, employers and healthcare practitioners to help people return to safe and meaningful work while focusing on ability and workplace inclusion."
The WCB offers employers free workshops on how to set up a return to work program and has an Employer Relationship team with return to work specialists who are able to coach and mentor workplaces in developing effective return to work programs.
For more information about return to work programs, visit wcb.mb.ca or call 204-954-4321, toll free at 1-855-954-4321.
The Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba is a mutual workplace injury and disability insurance agency funded by employer premiums. We are here to insure and support safe and healthy work and workplaces, and put workers and employers at the centre of all we do.
For more information contact:
Email: wcb@wcb.mb.ca