December 2024

FRANÇAIS | ᐃᓄᒃᑎᑐᑦ

The first step to preventing lift and twist incidents and injuries is to identify the hazards that may cause them. The next step is to use the Hierarchy of Controls to remove or reduce the risks of the hazards identified. See below for examples of managing lift and twist hazards:

• Eliminate twist and lift hazards from a worksite by having heavy materials delivered directly to where workers need it, rather than having workers manually move it.
• Can you substitute a piece of equipment or a task with one that has a lower risk, such as moving a pile of dirt with a small excavator instead of workers using shovels and a wheelbarrow?
• Engineering a solution might look like rearranging a worksite so that workers do not need to change direction or reach when carrying objects, making it easier to ensure good body mechanics.
• An administrative solution could include reviewing your safety procedures around materials handling with workers or providing new training to workers, so they understand good body mechanics when lifting.
• If the above controls don’t remove lift and twist hazards, personal protective equipment (PPE) that could further reduce risk might include lumbar support, work gloves with grip features, or non-slip shoes.

For more information about preventing lift and twist incidents at your workplace, see our latest Safety Spotlight.

This year, the average provisional assessment rate will hold at $2.40 per $100 assessable payroll.

While the average base rate remains unchanged, most employers will see their rates rise or fall, based on the claims experience of their industry group or ‘subclass’.

Employers can access their individual subclass or group rates for all industries for the upcoming year through WSCC Connect. You can view current and historical rates by Class & Subclass and by Specific Industry.

December 31, 2024 – Personal Optional Coverage Renewal

If you are a business owner, partner, registered director, or owner of a sole proprietorship, you can apply for Personal Optional Coverage. This means that you can have the same workers’ compensation benefits as a worker and receive benefits in case of a workplace injury. You can apply for 1 to 12 months of coverage.

If you currently have Personal Optional Coverage, you can reapply before January 1, 2025, to ensure continuous coverage. To apply or renew your Personal Optional Coverage, Complete this form, updated for 2025. 

January 1, 2025 – Annual Payroll Reporting Submissions Open

(Due February 28, 2025)

Employers can submit their Annual Payroll Report (APR) as early as January 1, 2025. Note that for your 2025 payroll estimate, use the YMIR value for your reporting territory. As of January 1, 2025, NWT and Nunavut have each a distinct Year’s Maximum Insurable Remuneration (YMIR) value. Updated for 2025, please review the Annual Payroll Reporting Guide to Completing. 

Submitting an APR is mandatory, even if you are reporting zero (0) payroll. To avoid the late reporting penalty of 15% of your previous year's assessment, submit your APR on or before February 28, 2025. Submit your report through WSCC Connect.

Due to the Canada Post strike, there will be a delay in the delivery of WSCC documents such as the Annual Rates notification letter to employers.

We will mail your letter as soon as the strike has ended. If you require a copy of your rate letter, please contact Employer Services to arrange for digital delivery at:

Northwest Territories: 1-800-661-0792

Email: employer@wscc.nt.ca 

Nunavut: 1-877-404-4407

Email: employernu@wscc.nu.ca      

For more information on working with the WSCC during the Canada Post Service Disruption visit our website.

Office Closures

WSCC’s offices are closed on Monday, December 23, and reopen on Thursday, January 2, 2025.

To report a serious workplace injury or incident, call 1-800-661-0792.

To report unsafe work, use our online Report Unsafe Work service on WSCC Connect.

wscc.nt.ca 1.800.661.0792 | wscc.nu.ca 1.877.404.4407