Excerpt from the OH&S Canada magazine (February 2017)
The Regina Provincial Court ordered on equipment operator to pay restitution and serve a conditional sentence on December 20, 2016, after he pleaded guilty to defrauding the Saskatchewan Workers Compensation Board (WCB) of about $80,000.
A WCB statement says the worker went back to work to his job while still receiving benefits. The sentence requires him to adhere to a curfew of 11:00pm to 6:00am for six months as part of an order lasting about two years. He must also pay back the $80,000 plus a victim’s surcharge.
“The WCB has a responsibility to safeguard the workers’ compensation system,” the statement notes. “It relies on workers, employers and caregivers to accurately report injuries, employment activities, payroll and medical treatment.”
My opinion
One of the things I really despise is the defrauding of benefits. The benefits are there to help people get back on their feet with a s little disturbance to their life and routines.
I guess our friend here felt no one would notice the missing $80,000! Well, see how wrong he actually was!
My first reaction was to the Covid-19 fraud that went on during the pandemic. People were accepting benefits when they were not entitled to. Canada had its problems but America had rampant abuse. Until we get rid of the greed by making the fines and custodial sentences larger and more prohibitive, then this type of abuse will continue to happen.
HRS Group Inc. has a great team that can help you with all your health and safety needs.
Contact Deborah toll free at 1-877-907-7744 or locally at 705-749-1259.
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‘Work’ and ‘Play’ safe.
Daniel L. Beal
CHSEP – Advanced Level
CEO & Senior Trainer
HRS Group Inc.