What is the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board WSIB?

The Workers Compensation Board (WCB) is Nova Scotia’s injury insurance and workplace compensation board. The board works to inform Nova Scotians about how to prevent workplace injury and advocates for workers when it, unfortunately, does occur. The board assists in a safe and timely return to work. The WCB also assists and advocates for those who have been injured on the job. In cases where tragedy strikes on the job, the board offers caring and compassionate support.

The work that the WCB does is done per the Workplace Compensation Act (WCA) and the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA).

Employer responsibilities

Employers play a key role in the recovery of an employee injured on the job. Responsibilities are based on the Internal Responsibility System (IRS), where everyone is responsible for safety in the workplace. However, employers share the majority of the responsibility.

Some of these responsibilities include:

  • Transporting the worker to a health care provider in a timely manner.
  • Keeping in touch with your employee.
  • Notifying the WCB of an injury that requires medical attention.
  • Educating your workers on your Return-to-Work policy.
  • Offering transitional or modified duties within the worker’s skills and abilities.
  • Allowing a worker to make a claim.

Attending to your worker’s compensation costs.

Communicating with the WCB case worker, the health services provider, and the worker.
Much of an employer’s responsibilities are based on taking proper precautions. Questions that the WCB asks when determining if the employer is being effective or not include: How much knowledge and experience does the employer have? What is the nature of the work? How are hazards being controlled? Is there a safer alternative?

Your Return-to-Work program

You are responsible for establishing a Return-to-Work program that complies with the WCB. When creating your program, you must be educated about the appeals process and relevant legislation. Additionally, you must promote a climate of trust and respect. It’s essential that your program be a part of an overall safety program with defined policies and procedures.

Some requirements of your Return-to-Work program include:

  • Return-to-Work plans that are personalized to the worker.
  • Accommodation and re-employment.
  • The opportunity to take on transitional duties immediately.

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 the WCB?
If you need any help with the WCB, 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 the WCB or health & safety standards in Nova Scotia. We are here to help set up your small business for success.

Call us at  1-902-332-8630 .