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WORKERS' COMPENSATION BOARD

Will the WCB pay for my medical costs while I'm recovering?
If your adjudicator or case manager has approved the costs, the WCB will pay for hospital stays, medically related treatment and tests, rehabilitation programs, physiotherapy, chiropractic treatments and psychology service, etc. Hospital-related costs include prescriptions, splints, crutches, braces, bandages, etc. Consult with your adjudicator or case manager for more details.

How do I know if I am covered by the Workers' Compensation Act?
While most employers and workers are covered by workers' compensation there are some industries that are exempt from mandatory coverage. These exempt industries are defined in the regulations of the Workers' Compensation Act.

If you are not sure if you are covered, ask your employer if the business has workers' compensation insurance for its employees.

Do I have to work full-time to be covered?
No — if you work in an industry that must have workers’ compensation insurance, you are covered whether you are a full-time, part-time, temporary, or casual worker.

Do I need coverage if I am self-employed?
If you own a business, are a partner in a business, or are the director of a corporation or society, you are not automatically eligible for workers' compensation benefits. However, if you buy personal coverage, you can receive the same compensation benefits injured workers receive. Contact the Customer Service department to request an application for personal coverage.

Is there a waiting period before my coverage begins?
No. If your employer is in an industry that must have workers' compensation insurance, you are covered as soon as you start your job.

Do I have to be a certain age to be covered?
No. The WCB does not have an age limit for coverage.

What types of injuries can I claim?
The WCB covers workplace injuries. Workplace injuries include work-related accidents or diseases that cause you to need medical treatment or time away from work. If you are injured on the job in a mandatory industry you must make a claim.

You should claim work-related accidents or diseases such as:

Traumatic injuries — These injuries happen quickly, causing trauma to the body. Broken bones, severe cuts and burns are some examples of traumatic injuries.

Injuries caused by repeated activities — These injuries include strains or sprains caused by doing the same activity over and over again. For example, an assembly line worker may develop tendonitis in his/her wrist as a result of his/her job duties.

Occupational diseases — These diseases are caused by some condition at the work site. For example, coal miners may develop black lung as a result of their jobs, or a nurse may become infected with HIV from a contaminated needle.

Re-injury and difficulties with an old work-related injury — Re-injury occurs when you hurt an old workplace injury during work. If you have a recurrence or trouble working because of an old work-related injury, call the WCB to find out if you should file a new claim or report the injury as part of your old claim.

Are there any conditions or situations that may affect my coverage?
If you believe your injury is work-related, it should always be claimed. The WCB reviews claims on a case-by-case basis to determine whether the reported injuries are covered. Benefits cannot be paid if the injury is not work related.

Some conditions or situations that are not considered work-related include:

Pre-existing or unrelated health problems — You may have health problems that are not related to your work. Diabetes, arthritis, old sports injuries and spinal scoliosis are some examples of these conditions. However, if you have a pre-existing injury and the work-related injury makes the condition worse, you may be eligible for benefits for a reasonable time while you recover.

Traveling to and from work — Generally, if you are in an accident while traveling on your regular trip to and from work, workers' compensation does not cover you. Some exceptions apply. The WCB reviews each case individually.

Will I receive compensation benefits if the injury was my fault?
Yes. Workers are eligible for benefits for work-related injuries regardless of who is at fault. Workers' compensation is no-fault guaranteed insurance. However, if acting with serious and willful misconduct causes your injury, you may not be eligible for benefits.

What happens if I am injured at work and it's someone else's fault?
What happens if you are injured due to the actions of a third party who's not covered under the Workers' Compensation Act?

This and other questions are answered in the brochure on third-party liability, entitled "What happens if I am injured at work and it's someone else's fault?" This brochure outlines the rights of employers and workers and the role that the WCB's Legal Services Department plays in such cases.