Vaccinate or vacate: which will you choose?
As compulsory vaccination gains steam, a growing number of employers are giving their workers a dismal ultimatum — vaccinate or vacate.— The idea of coerced injections may not sit well depending on what you read. A Google search reveals that Pfizer’s vaccine was fast-tracked through compressed medical trials, and that it’s yet to be proven […]
The advent of Chronic COVID Syndrome
While the majority of those who contract COVID eventually “recover” — many report difficulty returning to full health. They still have fatigue, body aches, shortness of breath, difficulty concentrating, inability to exercise, headaches, and insomnia. From Harvard Medical School, Jan. 2021: ‘Recent studies find that more than 50% of people who “recover” from COVID remain […]
The fate of WCB buffeted by political winds
A new poll conducted by The Western Standard shows the NDP taking a commanding lead in Alberta politics. What might this mean for workers and employers if the winds of change rekindle a Notley government? — Alert readers will recall that Alberta’s Conservative dynasty hadn’t touched OHS laws in 40 years, nor Workers Compensation for […]
Human rights colliding with soaring disability costs
In a 5-4 decision, the Supreme Court of Canada has upheld a federal law that prevents third parties, such as employers and insurance companies, from demanding genetic information from individuals. The law aims to protect the genetic information of Canadians, who otherwise could be forced to take a genetic test to secure employment, for example, […]
Long-term COVID complications and your Experience Rating
Dear Blue Collar, An outbreak occurred in our office. Several WCB claims have followed, and meanwhile, we’re working remotely until further notice. I’m especially worried about two senior age workers who tested positive. They both have asthma and are borderline obese. Above all our first concern is their full recovery. The second concern relates to […]
Psychological injuries: know your exposure
Dear Blue Collar, A probationary new-hire just filed a claim for PTSD after our office fire alarm sounded. WCB said something about a ‘thin-skull’ rule, and how the trauma is somehow related to the worker’s upbringing in Somalia. Pardon the rant, but on what planet does a fire alarm trigger PTSD? (A) The ‘thin skull’ […]
Injured at work? Follow these key steps.
Suffering a serious injury at work can be debilitating on multiple levels. First off, injured workers must learn to cope with physical pain. This process may entail rehab sessions, pharmaceuticals, or the use of mobility aids such as crutches or a wheelchair. Medical appointments, phone tag with WCB, and complicated forms merely add to the […]
Legislative Briefing: Bill 47 Overview
As Blue Collar has been reporting, WCB suffered a $250M loss in 2019 following the passage of Bill 30. Shortfalls of this magnitude are what drove the Ontario workers’ compensation system into insolvency, deficits which saw ON employers paying 400% more for coverage than were Alberta companies. Making matters worse, surging WSIB (Ontario’s WCB) premiums […]
WCB approves PTSD claim triggered by office fire alarm
Dear Blue Collar, The wheels are falling off the world. A probationary new-hire just filed a claim for PTSD after our office fire alarm sounded. WCB said something about a ‘thin-skull’ rule, and that the trauma is somehow related to her upbringing in Somalia. Pardon the rant, but on what planet does a fire alarm […]
Navigating the WCB maze
Dear Blue Collar, I’m in way over my head. A worker injured himself and I’ve been told to “whip up” a modified work plan. I’m in HR and have no medical background, the worker’s gone AWOL, and management’s pressuring me. Am I really qualified to do this? Help! (A) First off, go easy on yourself. […]