EDMONTON – Farming should be added to the list of compulsory occupations covered by the Alberta Workers’ Compensation Board, according to a resolution passed at the Wild Rose Agricultural Producers annual meeting.
Agriculture operations are relatively high risk activities and farmers need to know they can protect themselves and their farms against lawsuits by having the coverage, said Grace MacGregor of Hughenden, Alta.
“Workers’ compensation is a viable option,” she said.
Alberta’s Workers’ Compensation Board was established in 1918 in response to pressure from employers, who recognized the trade-off of paying into the program where the workers relinquished their right to sue.
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federal government proposed several months ago to increase the compensation rate from 80 to 90 per cent and double the maximum payment from $3 million to $6 million
In Alberta, agriculture is one of the occupations exempt from mandatory coverage although some farmers do voluntarily pay the workers’ compensation premiums for their employees.
There were 1,303 employers paying premiums for 2,687 employees in 2010 compared with 1,392 employers paying premiums for 947 employees in 2006, said Jennifer Dagvit of WCB.
MacGregor said they pay premiums for full-and part-time employees in their feedlot, cow-calf and farming operation.
“There has never been enough discussion in the agriculture community and recognition that this is a form of insurance for us.”
“I’m not sure all producers are aware they are protected from litigation with workers’ compensation.
“It’s a responsible move for our profession,” she said.
Andrew Peden of Minburn, Alta., said he doesn’t feel agriculture should be forced to have coverage under WCB.
“Agriculture doesn’t have to be a dangerous business. It shouldn’t be my responsibility because you won’t put guards on your auger. It is all going to come down to legislation and legislation always ends up costing somebody money,” he said.
Bill Bocock of St. Albert, Alta., said having WCB coverage was a good investment on his farm when an employee was accidentally run over by a tire while starting the tractor. WCB paid many bills and physiotherapy for the worker.
Lynn Jacobson of Enchant, Alta., said it’s important for farmers to stop and wonder what would happen if an employee was injured while at work.
“One of the things to realize is what are the consequences to farmers if they do not have insurance for their employees. It won’t be long before we could be mandated a solution.”
MacGregor said it’s important to recognize the distinction between Occupational Health and Safety standards that lay out strict rules of how a job should be done and WCB coverage.
Rob Brunel, KAP president, said when the Manitoba government changed legislation to require farms to have WCB coverage for their workers, there was a lot of initial backlash. Now there is more peace of mind to know it has eliminated the possibility of being sued.
Bill Dobson of Paradise Valley, Alta., said he wasn’t opposed to higher safety standards and WCB coverage but didn’t want any Wild Rose member tied to a single position when the provincial government establishes its round table on agriculture safety later this year.
“I would like to leave things open and see what the round table comes up with. I am hoping it’s not just another bit of fluff.”
WORKERS’ COMPENSATION BY PROVINCE
Numbers of farm/agricultural employers paying premiums for employees in 2010
Manitoba:1,303
Saskatchewan:1,550
Alberta:1,700
