July 25, 2008

Letter to the Editor

Injured worker supports Robertson’s views on WSIB program

Re: Experience rating system fails to account for ‘rating prevention practises’ – DCN July 19.

To the Editor,
As an injured worker and activist here in Ontario, I can’t say I’ve heard anything that makes more sense coming from the employer side of the table.

“We need a better balance — one that isn’t so focused on penalizing and finding fault and more focused on innovative tools to improve workplace safety,” Gary Robertson wrote.

It’s hard to figure out what this broken “arms-length agency” we call the WSIB is really trying to accomplish and I mean that from an injured worker point of view.

The social contract has all but completely fallen apart because of the WSIB’s mismanagement of claims and fault-finding missions for both employees and the injured worker.

I can’t reiterate more the need for balance, as does Mr. Robertson. I’ve never taken the time until recently to understand both sides of the WSIB coin, but as of late I have seen how small employers with only a few employees can be almost driven into bankruptcy by the initial WSIB premium or just one lost-time claim.

While the injured worker is still getting the raw end of the stick, I truly believe Mr. Robertson possesses the kind of mentality of a person I could work with.

Thank you, Mr. Robertson, for telling it like it is from your vantage point and your candidness.

Peter Clare
Lambton Shores, Ont.

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