Experience rating
In many workers’ compensation systems, the premium rates charged to organizations depend on the degree to which their injury claims costs are higher or lower than the industry average. This mechanism is called “experience rating,” and it is meant to provide workplaces with a financial incentive to invest in programs that prevent work-related injuries and disabilities. IWH research investigates if experience rating is having this intended effect, what other effects it may be having and why, and what program design elements will achieve optimum prevention efforts.
At Work article
Claim suppression study in B.C. finds under-claiming of work injury to be common
To what extent are injured workers in British Columbia discouraged from from reporting their lost-time work-related injuries or illnesses? An IWH research team was commissioned to find out the extent of claim suppression, and the circumstances that lead to suppressed claims.
Published: June 2021
Issue Briefing
Nature and extent of claim suppression in B.C.’s workers’ compensation system
The Institute for Work & Health collaborated with Prism Economics and Analysis to conduct a study for WorkSafeBC on claim suppression in British Columbia. This Issue Briefing summarizes the findings of this study and compares them with the findings of previous Institute studies on claim suppression in Manitoba and Ontario, as well as with the findings of other research in Canada.
Published: May 2021
Project report
Project report
Estimates of the nature and extent of claim suppression in British Columbia’s workers' compensation system
The Institute of Work & Health collaborated with Prism Economics and Analysis on a study, funded by WorkSafeBC, to estimate the nature and extent of claim suppression in the workers’ compensation system of British Columbia.
Published: December 2020
Project
Project
What is the extent and nature of claim suppression in British Columbia?
Status: Completed 2021
At Work article
Experience rating design differences lead to different outcomes in Ontario and B.C.
Ontario sees larger reductions in injury claims, but B.C.’s reductions are more enduring.
Published: November 2016
Impact case study
Manitoba takes measures to address claims suppression, review assessment rate model
IWH conference on experience rating and financial incentives helps shape review of claims suppression.
Published: December 2014
At Work article
At Work article
Symposium considers implications of financial incentives
Last November’s first-of-its-kind international symposium brought together policy-makers, workers’ representatives, employers and researchers to discuss the merits and shortcomings of financial incentives for preventing work injury.
Published: February 2013
At Work article
At Work article
Fall symposium addresses injury prevention and financial incentives
In today’s competitive global economy, financial incentives are often seen by governments as an effective way to encourage employers to invest in occupational health and safety. But how well do these incentives work?
Published: October 2012
At Work article
At Work article
Experience rating focuses on post-injury practices, IWH study suggests
Experience rating can lead to unintended consequences if emphasis on prevention isn’t front-and-centre, says new research from the Institute for Work & Health.
Published: April 2012
Issue Briefing
Trends in no-lost-time claims in Ontario
The proportion of work-related injuries registered as no-lost-time claims (NLTCs) versus lost-time claims (LTCs) increased in Ontario from 1991 to 2006. Based on research from IWH, this Issue Briefing takes a close look at the characteristics of NLTCs in Ontario and the factors that may help explain their increasing share of workers' compensation claims in the province.
Published: August 2011