Return to Work

Workers Compensation Board of Prince Edward Island

Return to Work

The WCB assists workers in remaining at work, or returning to work, after a workplace injury or illness.

If your injury prevents you from performing your regular job duties, the WCB will work with you, your employer and your healthcare provider to develop a timely and safe return to work.

Timely ...because it is important to return to work as soon as medically possible following a work-related injury. Research shows that the longer a worker is away from work, the less likely he or she is to return to work.

Safe ...because your return to work plan is designed specifically around your capabilities and the suitable work available.

A timely and safe return to work can help you recover more quickly. Remaining active, productive and connected to your workplace contributes to the healing process, strengthening your mind and body.

A return to work plan is a program which can include:

Gradual building of hours and/or duties through an easeback program.
Modified or alternate work which may or may not be part of your pre-injury duties.
Work conditioning to build strength and stamina.

The WCB's Bridge to Recovery-poster describes the steps that will take you from injury to recovery with a timely and safe return to work. These include:

Making a plan with your employer, health care provider and the WCB to return to work in a timely and safe manner.
Working together to identify modified or alternate work that you can perform.
Keeping connected with your employer and the WCB about your recovery and return to work.
Returning to work and checking in regularly with your supervisor about your progress on the job.

Roles, responsibilities and return to work goals are described in the WCB's Critical Path documents:

In the event that your injury results in impairment and loss of earnings, the WCB will work with you to develop a vocational rehabilitation plan.

If you have any questions about your timely and safe return to work, please discuss them with your entitlement officer or case management team. More information can also be found in the WCB Return to Work - Workplace Guide and the WCB's return to work policies.

If you can't find what you are looking for, or would like a copy of one of our publications, contact us.

May 16, 2012

Maritime Worker Compensation Boards fund Dalhousie University occupational medicine courses

Physicians in Atlantic Canada now have access to online courses in occupational medicine thanks to a strategic alliance between WorkSafeNB, the Workers’ Compensation Boards of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island and Dalhousie University. “With no academic programs in occupational medicine east of Toronto, this alliance, combined with the establishment of a research chair in occupational medicine at Dalhousie University’s medical school in Saint John, will help ensure best practices in disability management and return to work,” said Sharon Tucker, chairperson of WorkSafeNB’s board of directors, who spoke on behalf of the three Maritime provinces’ compensation boards. The Maritime Occupational Medicine Continuing Medical Education (MOM CME) Alliance will provide courses not only to physicians, but also to all stakeholders with a vested interest in occupational medicine, including occupational therapists, physiotherapists, case managers, workers and employers. Because they are web-based, they can be conveniently accessed at any time. “This important initiative will help prevent occupational injuries and illness, break down the barriers of return to work, and keep injured workers employable so they can enjoy the quality of life they deserve,” Tucker said. The courses will be funded by the three Maritime worker compensation boards, while Dalhousie Continuing Medical Education will develop, host and maintain the courses on their website. The courses are accredited, providing CME credits for family physicians in the Maritime provinces. The first course, which deals with issues around prescribing time off, is now available online. Media Contacts:Beverly StearsActing Manager, CommunicationsWorkSafeNB 506-632-2828Julie Trites Communications AdvisorWorkers’ Compensation Board of Nova Scotia 902-491-8110Bonnie BlakneyDirector, Corporate DevelopmentWorkers Compensation Board of PEI 902-620-3478

May 14, 2012

William (Bill) Reid appointed to the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety

William (Bill) Reid, Director of Occupational Health and Safety with the Workers Compensation Board of Prince Edward Island, has been appointed to the Council of Governors of the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS). On May 8, 2012, Federal Labour Minister Lisa Raitt announced that Reid will represent Prince Edward Island on the CCOHS Council of Governors, serving a four- year term. The mandate of the CCOHS is to promote the health and safety of working Canadians. It is governed by a Council whose members represent labour, employers and government from across Canada, providing diverse perspectives and a balanced approach to workplace health and safety issues. Mr. Reid is a Canadian Registered Safety Professional and a Certified Mechanical Engineering Technologist. Prior to assuming his role at the WCB, Reid worked for 21 years in the manufacturing industry, with a concentration in Environment, Health and Safety. He has a Bachelor of Engineering Technology Degree in Manufacturing, and holds certificates in Occupational Health and Safety Management and Ergonomics Program Management. He is an experienced firefighter, emergency responder and hazardous material technician. “Bill has an enormous wealth of knowledge on workplace safety, and we are very proud to have him represent the Workers Compensation Board and our province on safety matters at a national level,” said Nancy Guptill, Workers Compensation Board Chair. To learn more about the CCOHS, visit www.ccohs.ca. Information about occupational health and safety on Prince Edward Island is available in the Safe Workplaces section of the Workers Compensation Board website.

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