On May 22, 2003, Caritas was recognized for its commitment to workplace health and safety management, news that was accompanied by a rebate of $385,595.00 to Caritas.
Once a certificate of recognition from Alberta Workplace Health and Safety was obtained in 2000, "the rebate was calculated on two additional factors," notes Caritas President Bev Rachwalski, "yearly improvements in injury reductions and a comparison of our injury related costs with those of others in the industry. We did very well on both factors this year. I would like to congratulate the Occupational Health and Safety team, headed by Adeline Nychka, for this accomplishment."
Although honored by the nod from the WCB, Adeline is most enthusiastic about the potential to use the awarded rebate to advance injury-prevention at Caritas-which includes safety training in hazard assessment and control of these hazards. "My wish is that all Caritas employees first and foremost look after their personal safety. I want to encourage them to look after themselves while they care for other - and not to take risks that could compromise their health," says Adeline.
Someone is injured at work in Canada approximately every 19 seconds. According to a national study, every minute in 1998 cost the Canadian economy approximately $77,500.00 in compensation payments to workers for accidents and injuries. "Beyond the financial factors, it's the price that individuals and teams pay that matters most to me," notes Adeline. "When someone is injured, they often lose their self-worth when they are separated from their professions and from their colleagues. The improved PIR results show that injured people can participate in a meaningful way in our Caritas mission."
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