Workplace injuries are a serious and common problem in Ontario. According to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB), there were 231,279 reported workplace injury and illness claims in 2020, resulting in $2.8 billion in benefits paid to workers and their families. Workplace injuries can have devastating consequences for workers, employers, and society, affecting physical, mental, and financial well-being. That is why it is important to know what to do in case you are injured at work, and what rights and responsibilities you have as a worker. In this article, we will guide you through the steps you should take if you suffer a work-related injury or illness, and provide you with some useful resources and tips.
STEP 1: Seek medical help
STEP 2: Report injury or illness
STEP 3: Document the incident
STEP 4: Claim compensation
The employer must report accidents to the WSIB if:
- An employee has to obtain health care for a work-related injury or disease, or
- if an employee has to take time off work and cannot earn regular wages because of the injury or disease.
The employer is required to complete a special form called an Employer’s Report of Injury / Illness (Form 7) within three days of learning about the worker’s condition. The form must be received by the Board within seven business days or an employer may face penalties.
STEP 5: Return to work
- Stay in contact with your employer throughout your recovery and provide them with information on your progress. Try to touch base regularly and keep a record of when you contact your employer.
- Work with your employer to identify suitable work opportunities. Suitable work is work that:
- is safe,
- is productive,
- is within your functional abilities, and
- matches your pre-injury pay as closely as possible.
- Provide us with any information we request about your return to work.
In addition to keeping in touch with your employer, you must also report any significant changes to the WSIB. Significant changes such as returning to work, receiving income or government benefits, changes to medical treatment, updates in health status, etc.
Useful Links & More Information
Ministry of Labour: www.labour.gov.on.ca or 1-877-202-0008
Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers: www.ohcow.on.ca or 1-877-817-0336
Office of the Worker Adviser: www.owa.gov.on.ca or 1-800-435-8980
Office of the Employer Adviser: www.employeradviser.ca or 1-800-387-0774
By: Haninder Dhillon
Co-owner of DRS Physio & Wellness and DRS Mobile Therapy