What is Workplace NL?
Workplace NL offers workplace injury insurance to employers and workers across Newfoundland and Labrador. The body acts in accordance with the Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Act.
The body works with employers and workers to promote safe and healthy workplaces, prevent workplace injuries, support injured workers and their families, and establish a strong return-to-work program. WorkplaceNL bases its workplace compensation systems on the Meredith Principles.
Which includes:
- No fault compensation.
- Collective liability.
- Security of payment.
- Exclusive jurisdiction.
- An independent board.
Employer Responsibilities
Employers play a key role in the recovery of an employee injured on the job.
Some of these responsibilities include:
- Contacting the worker as soon as possible after the injury occurs.
- Providing suitable and available employment.
- Demonstrating effective communication.
- Ensuring that employees are registered with WorkplaceNL.
- Making sure employees receive health and safety training.
- Appointing a health and safety designate.
- Submitting an employer’s report of injury.
- Creating Early, and Safe Return to Work (ESRTW) plans for injured workers.
- Submitting annual employer statements.
Your Early and Safe Return to Work program (ESRTW)
In Newfoundland and Labrador, it’s the duty of employers and employees to participate in the safe return to work for an injured employee subject to Section 89 of the Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Act.
In your return to work program, you must provide employees with employment that meets the employee’s condition. However, you are not required to create work where none already exists.
WorkplaceNL states that you do have an obligation to re-employ the worker within two years if your workplace fits certain criteria.
These criteria include:
- You regularly employ 20 or more workers.
- Before the injury, the worker was continuously employed for at least one year.
- The worker is medically fit to perform their pre-injury duties.
WorkplaceNL states that employers who fail to re-employ may be subject to financial penalties. For instance, WorlplaceNL may charge 12.5 per cent of the wage-loss benefits covered by WorkplaceNL to the employer.
Some options that you may include in your return to work plan are:
Modified Duties:
Modified duties may include some of the employee’s regular duties. This working model will likely be temporary. These duties must be agreed on by the worker, employer, and healthcare provider.
Easeback:
Easeback is a gradual return to the worker’s original role and duties. This allows employees to slowly build up strength without being overwhelmed.
If you have any questions about creating a Return-to-Work program or want to make sure your program is compliant, feel free to give our friendly experts a call.
Have more questions about WorkplaceNL?
If you need any help with WorkplaceNL, we’re here to support you. Our experts know to help your business avoid fines and stay compliant.
Our advisors are always ready to answer any questions you may have about WorkplaceNL or health & safety standards in Newfoundland and Labrador. We are here to help set up your small business for success.
Call us at 1-709-383-1884.