(WINNIPEG) – December 3, 2017, is the International Day of Persons with Disabilities: a day dedicated to building global awareness, understanding and support for those affected by disability issues. The theme for this year is “Transformation towards sustainable and resilient society for all” which includes the workplace. Persons with disabilities are encouraged to fast track the process towards inclusive and sustainable development and promote a resilient society for all. The Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba (WCB) encourages Manitobans to take this day to think about ways to improve inclusion in the workplace for people with disabilities.
Approximately 29,000 workplace injuries occur annually in Manitoba. Work environments that are accessible and inclusive help those workers recovering from an injury or illness remain active and connected to the workplace.
"Being productive and being a part of the workplace - even in an altered capacity - is good for the recovery and overall wellness of an injured worker," said Winston Maharaj, President and CEO of the WCB. "We continue to work with workers, employers and healthcare professionals to help people return to health and safe and suitable work while endeavouring to make the transition back to work as safe and seamless as possible."
The WCB offers employers free workshops on how to set up a return to work program and has a Return to Work Program Services department that is committed to mentoring workplaces on how to develop a program that is best suited to their organization.
For more information about return to work programs, visit wcb.mb.ca, email RTWProgramServices@wcb.mb.ca or call 204-954-6161 or toll free at 1-855-954-4321, ext. 6161.
In recognition of the day, a free event featuring shared stories and performances of human rights will be taking place from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. this afternoon at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights.
About the WCB of Manitoba
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. We put workers and employers at the centre of all we do. We provide them with valued services for injury prevention, compensation and return to health and work while maintaining system integrity.
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