By Andrea Hansen, President, Sutton Benefits & Pension
Imagine a welder sidelined by chronic back pain, or a machine operator struggling with untreated anxiety. These scenarios may seem very different, but both pose risks to safety and productivity in the workplace, which is why physiotherapy and paramedical benefits — such as chiropractic care, massage therapy, and mental health counselling — are strategic investments.
A 2024 healthcare survey from Benefits Canada highlights the prevalence of these issues, noting that 38 per cent of plan members live with chronic pain, and 58 per cent have at least one chronic condition, underscoring the urgent need for coverage.
In industrial settings, where repetitive motions or heavy lifting are common, untreated musculoskeletal issues can escalate into serious injuries requiring extended time off work. The Canadian Physiotherapy Association estimates that musculoskeletal disorders account for nearly a third of all workplace injuries in Canada, costing employers billions annually in lost productivity and workers’ compensation board (WCB) claims.
Mental health support is equally important. The Benefits Canada survey notes that 22 per cent of plan members report mental health conditions like depression or anxiety. Mental health challenges often worsen physical pain, threatening performance and safety. Comprehensive paramedical benefits, including access to counsellors, can break this cycle before it leads to disability claims or incidents.
Prevention as a safety strategy
Investing in physiotherapy and paramedical benefits aligns with workplace safety goals, particularly in reducing WCB claims. In Saskatchewan, WCB premiums are experience-rated, meaning a company’s claim history directly affects its premium costs. A single significant claim can increase premiums for years, straining budgets.
Industry leaders also note that suppliers with high WCB claim rates may face tougher scrutiny when bidding for contracts, as clients prioritize strong safety records. A 2020 report by the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety said that proactive injury prevention programs, including access to physiotherapy, reduce claim frequency and severity, enhancing a company’s competitiveness.
For workers with chronic pain or repetitive strain, timely physiotherapy prevents minor issues from becoming debilitating. Yet, the Benefits Canada survey says 16 per cent of plan members face limited benefits coverage, hindering access to care. Raising physiotherapy maximums — often capped at $500 annually — ensures consistent treatment to manage pain and prevent escalation.
In high-risk industrial settings, fatigue or stress can lead to safety lapses. As with physio, higher mental health coverage maximums can provide meaningful support, reducing stress-related absences and improving overall well-being.
The business case: Cost savings and talent retention
Enhanced benefits deliver clear savings. The Canadian Physiotherapy Association reports that every $1 spent on physiotherapy saves $3 in health care and productivity costs. And a 2021 study by the Workers’ Compensation Board of Manitoba found that early physiotherapy reduced claim durations by 20 per cent.
For a mid-sized industrial firm, where a single WCB claim can cost tens of thousands of dollars, increasing physiotherapy maximums to cover 10 to 15 sessions annually could prevent multiple claims, offsetting the cost of higher premiums.
Beyond cost savings, comprehensive benefits are a powerful tool for talent retention in Saskatchewan’s competitive industrial sector. Benefits Canada found that health benefits rank second only to wages as a factor in employees’ decisions to stay with an employer. With labour shortages a pressing concern, employers who offer flexible, employee-focused benefits stand out.
Saskatchewan’s industrial and resource sector has the capability to lead the country in prioritizing prevention and resilience. Raising physiotherapy and mental health maximums is an investment in people, performance, and Saskatchewan’s competitive edge.
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