The Yukon Workers’ Safety and Compensation Board (WSCB) confirmed this week that one worker has died at work in Yukon in 2023.

The board’s 2023 annual report, released in May, did not record any workplace fatalities this year. However, the board confirmed at its annual meeting this week in Whitehorse that one worker died in the Yukon last year.

Kurt Dieckmann, president and CEO of WSCB, said there are sometimes delays in reporting deaths when it is necessary to confirm that they are work-related.

No further details were provided about the incident or the deceased employee.

Grade rates are falling

Also at Wednesday’s meeting, the council announced it would cut tax rates due to its strong financial position.

The board said this week that $10 million in rebates will be distributed to eligible employers.

Every employer hiring employees in Yukon is required by law to register with the WSCB and pay income tax. Here are the rates that will be reduced for 2025.

Members contribute to a compensation fund managed by investors. This fund covers costs related to injured workers through accepted claims.

At its annual information meeting in Whitehorse on Wednesday, the board announced its 2025-2029 strategic plan and rate cuts for more than 4,000 registered employers.

According to the board, 687 applications were accepted in 2023, compared to 785 in the previous year.

Dieckmann also noted that over the past eight years in the Yukon, there has been a decrease in the number of physical workplace injuries, but an increase in psychological injuries.

“Now is not the time for complacency (on worker safety),” Dieckmann said.