Workers

What is Workers Compensation?

Workers Compensation is a legislated no fault insurance program which protects you and your employer from the threat of workplace law suits. The Workers Compensation Act is a law of the Province of Prince Edward Island. The Act entitles you to compensation benefits when you have a work related injury. Compensation benefits may include medical services, wage loss benefits, as well as rehabilitation services. We also act in partnership with workers, employers and others to increase understanding of the need for safe and healthy workplaces and to encourage the development of standards to promote health and safety in the workplace.

If an Accident or Injury Occurs

The Worker's Responsibilities are:

• immediately report the accident/injury to your supervisor and employer
• get first aid if you require it
• see a doctor immediately and be sure to tell the doctor that you were hurt at work
• complete your Workers Report of Accident/ form # 6 (This form is available from the WCB, your employer and the Internet@//www.wcb.pe.ca). Fill out the form carefully and mail it to our office. The Form 6 is required whether you miss time from work or not

The Employer's Responsibilities are:

• the employer will provide you with first aid
• the employer will arrange immediate transport to a doctor
• the employer will promptly file an Employer's Report of Injury /Form 7 within 3 days of being notified by you. The Form 7 is required whether you miss time from work or not

Your claim information initially goes to an Entitlement Manager who will be responsible for accepting or denying your claim. That person will assist in gathering the necessary information. If your injury causes you to be on wage loss benefits for more than four weeks your claim will be transferred to the case management team. They will assist you throughout your medical recovery and where possible your return to work. This team is made up of Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors, Occupational Therapists and Case Managers.

Medical Coverage / Associated Costs
 
The following items may be paid by the WCB:

• transportation costs related to your injury
• medical supplies and /or services
• prescriptions
• physiotherapy or chiropractic treatment

Please keep in mind that each service is approved according to WCB Policy.

Relapse/Recurrences
 
When recurrences or relapses occur you should:

• advise your employer
• seek medical attention
• complete another Workers Report of Accident, Form 6

Recurrence of the condition must be medically compatible with the previous injury and decisions to accept or deny recurrences must rely on medical evidence supporting this relationship.

Compensation Benefits
 
Compensation benefits are paid on accepted/approved claims on a biweekly basis. The wage lose benefits payable to you are equivalent to 80% of your net annual earnings up to the current maximum annual earnings limit. After 38 weeks, the wage loss benefits payable increase to 85% of your net annual earnings, subject to the current maximum annual earnings. The Compensation payable to an injured worker is reduced by the collateral benefits paid wholly or in part by the employer for that injury. Benefits may not be paid wholly or in part by the employer. Benefits are tax free, however you need to report them to Revenue Canada.

Claimants who receive a favorable decision from the Compensation Board will be paid wage loss benefits after a time period has passed in which the worker would have received wages from employment equivalent to three fifths of the weekly wage loss benefits payable to the worker. (3/5 of 80% of net.)

Wage Review
 
Benefit payments are subject to verification of information and may be reduced if so indicated by the information received. If the information provided on the Employer's Report of Accident suggests your income may be comprised of both employment income and employment insurance benefits it is necessary that you provide verification of your total income from both these sources. The information may be for any continuous 52 week period with in two years prior to your accident date.

Duration
 
Benefits continue as long as you are unable to work, this is supported by medical documentation and you are cooperating with treatment. Attending proper medical treatment is essential to your recovery. If you miss treatments you may slow your recovery and risk having your benefits being cancelled. Worker Compensation assists people to return to work. Because travelling outside the province can lead to missed medical treatments and , thus, the cancellation of benefits, please gain authorization from WCB prior to travel.

Rehabilitation
 
Occupational and Rehabilitation services may be available in your return to work planning.

Reconsideration of Decisions
 
Any party with a direct interest in the decision may request a reconsideration by completing a Notice Of Request For Internal Reconsideration - Worker - Form IR01.

Workers Advisor
 
A Workers' Advisor is available to assist you in understanding a decision and is able to represent you during a hearing. This service is separate from WCB.

The Workers Advisor can be contacted at:

Office of the Workers Advisor
161 St. Peters Road, 2nd Floor
PO Box 2000
Charlottetown, PE
C1A 7N8

Toll free: 1-800-658-1806
Telephone: 902-368-6460
Fax: 902-368-3576
Email: mapeters@gov.pe.ca

Occupational Health and Safety
 
Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) is a division of the Workers Compensation Board. OH&S administers the Occupational Health and Safety Act to prevent accidents by setting safety standards for Island Workplaces. The Act and regulations outline rights and responsibilities of employers, workers, suppliers, and owners with respect to maintaining health and safety standards in the workplace.

This information sheet is a general document only . It is not a legal document.

If you have any questions please call:

Tel: (902) 368-5680
Toll Free (in Atlantic Canada): 1-800-237-5049
Customer Liaison Service : 1-866-460-3074

Note: Remember always have your case ID number ready when calling.