How Saskatchewan Rivers keeps injury rates steady despite a large workforce
The Saskatchewan Rivers Public School Division reported 14 workplace injuries requiring Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) claims during the first eight months of 2025, maintaining consistent levels compared to previous years.
Education director Neil Finch presented the safety data at the school board’s regular meeting on Oct. 20, showing injury rates among support staff that align with 2024 figures. The division recorded 21 injuries for the entire 2024 calendar year.
“The ideal for WCB is that you’re at zero,” Finch said. “That is the target, so no concerns on us having increased WCB claims, but (we’re) always looking to improve to make sure we meet our target of zero.”
The 14 injuries reported between January and August 2025 included eight educational assistants, three caretakers, two maintenance and mechanical employees, and one bus driver. The data represents a workforce of 1,089 employees and only includes support staff who were injured at work and required medical attention.
Finch characterized the numbers as consistent year over year, noting the division has not seen an increase in WCB claims but continues working toward the goal of zero workplace injuries.
“We’re not increasing on injuries that are having WCB claims, but we’re definitely staying very steady with what that looks like. And the ideal would be to have zero WCB claims in a year,” he said.
The Workers’ Compensation Board data encompasses injuries to non-teaching staff including caretakers, maintenance personnel, library clerks, and educational assistants. The WCB calendar year runs from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, which differs from the academic school calendar. The division will continue collecting data until Dec. 31, 2025, with a full yearly report to follow.
The division’s safety program includes a team consisting of the superintendent of facilities, human resources manager, and director of education. A report from SaskToday.ca noted that Saskatchewan Rivers is one of the few school divisions with Certificate of Recognition (COR) certification, requiring an external audit every three years as part of its safety program.
The board also engaged in advocacy work during the period, meeting with education minister Everett Hindley, Batoche MLA Darlene Rowden, and Prince Albert Carlton MLA Kevin Kasun on Oct. 16. According to a division release, the conversation focused on the board’s advocacy plan and communicating the division’s needs to the ministry.
The board highlighted both successes and ongoing challenges facing the school division during the meeting, which the division described as a valuable opportunity to advocate for local schools directly with provincial officials.
