OVERCOMING THE BACKLOG

Extensive work was completed in 2007-08 to create the conditions for eliminating the Commission’s claim backlog. In addition to recruitment of new evaluators, the evaluator-training program was revamped and a career- development program was created to build capacity for future years.

 

Claims registration data

A total of 332 claims were filed in 2007-08. Of those, 97% were verified and registered within seven days, in keeping with the Commission’s service standard. The remaining 3% of applicants were required to provide additional information before verification and registration. Approximately 70% of claims registered were original filings; 30% were refilings of previously approved claims, as required by law (Figure 2). Nearly 48% of claims were from US suppliers, while 52% were from Canadian suppliers—the majority of which were from Ontario (Figure 5), a trend that has emerged over the last five years.

 

 

“The Commission’s continued efforts to ensure that Canada’s world-class confidential business information provisions are maintained for the benefit of workers, suppliers and employers are to be applauded.”

— Mr. Larry Stoffman, Labour representative, HMIRC Council of Governors

 

 

Accelerated claim processing

Backlog reduction was a top priority for the Commission in 2007-08. With the efficiencies and process refinements introduced, and with plans for an expanded evaluation team, the Commission was able to begin to make strides. During the year, a total of 376 claims for exemption were processed to the stage where the MSDS was reviewed and an advice document prepared. This represents an apparent significant increase compared to 2006-07, a year where there was a particularly high volume of complex claims, recruitment challenges, and limited trained staff.

Priority for high-hazard products

Once again, the Commission gave priority attention to claims for products considered to pose higher risks to workers. Of the 284 decisions issued last year, 55% were classified as high-hazard; these were reviewed without significant delay so that corrected MSDSs could reach the workplace expeditiously.

Dispute prevention

Through dialogue with its claimants, HMIRC was able to clarify Commission requirements so that claimants could supply all the necessary information needed by screening officers to render claim decisions. This dialogue helped prevent significant disputes from arising.

 

“The new training program reinforces the value the Commission places on its people and its commitment to being a workplace of choice.”

— Ms. Alana Clegg, Health and Safety Evaluator, HMIRC

 

 

 

Violation trends

Over the last five years, the number of violations per claim has remained fairly steady between 8-9. The majority falls within the categories of toxicology, first aid and hazardous ingredients. Accurate information on these three components is a significant contributor to the protection of worker health and safety. The volume of violations related to elements with potential long-term health implications—mutagenic, developmental, reproductive and carcinogenic—was low, from zero to 2.2%, although still presenting some cause for concern for workers, in particular women of childbearing age.

Database updates

The Commission’s annual scientific reference database update was completed, adding new publications on 708 ingredients found in chemical products. To improve its annual departmental performance reporting, the Commission also upgraded its claim management and time utilization databases to include performance measurement indicators.