INJURED AT WORK? HERE IS WHAT YOU NEED TO DO.

---

​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

Get first aid right away. If you need further treatment, go to a health professional. Your employer pays for your transportation on the day of the injury.

STEP 2: Report injury or illness

Tell your employer or supervisor as soon as possible about what happened. Your employer must report your injury or illness to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) within three days. You must also report your injury or illness to the WSIB by filling out a Worker’s Report of Injury/Disease (Form 6) and sending it to the WSIB as soon as possible and no later than six months after it happens.

STEP 3: Document the incident

​Keep a detailed record of the incident, including the date, time, location, witnesses, and actions taken. Your employer must also investigate and document the incident, and you have the right to access and correct the information.

STEP 4: Claim compensation

You must complete the necessary forms and co-operate with the WSIB in order to be eligible for compensation. In addition, your employer also has to ensure they're completing the necessary forms to ensure you eligibility for 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

When you're ready to return to work you have the following responsibilities:​

• 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

​WSIB: www.wsib.ca or 1-800-387-0750

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 & Wellnes and DRS Mobile Therapy

---

​DRS Physio & Wellness is a well-established leader in the rehabilitation field. Our expert practitioners have over 18 years of experience and strive to provide the highest level of care so you can reach maximum recovery from injuries and other health-related problems.  Please visit us for more information.