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WSIB Frequently Asked Questions
What do I do if I get injured at work?
What is the Form 7?
When do I fill out a Form 7?
What is the difference between “health care” and “first aid”?
What if I don't sign the Form 7?
What is a Form 6?
What is a Form 8?
What if I don't agree with a WSIB claim decision?
Can I sue my employer if my accident arose from unsafe work conditions?
Don’t I get anything for my pain and suffering?
What if I cannot return to my job as a result of my work injury?
What do I do if I get injured at work?
Your first priority is to seek proper medical attention. You must also
inform your supervisor so that he/she can give you assistance and complete the Form 7.
What is the Form 7?
It is the form that employers are required to use to
report an employee's workplace injury or illness to the WSIB.
When do I fill out a Form 7?
A Form 7 is required to report a work related injury/illness to the WSIB if an employee:
• obtains health care and/or
• is absent from their regular work
• acquires modified duties at less than regular pay
• acquires modified duties at regular pay for more than seven calendar days after the date of accident
• earns less than regular pay at regular work
There is no need to report the incident with the Form 7 if your employee only needs first aid,
however, you must keep a record of the incident and what happens during the time your employee
recovers. This record of the incident should be copied and sent to the Environmental
Health and Safety department.
What is the difference between “health care” and “first aid”?
The WSIB defines “health care” as including services provided at hospitals and
health facilities and services that require the professional skills of a health care
practitioner, i.e. doctor, nurse, chiropractor, physiotherapist, optometrist or dentist. “First aid”
includes, but is not limited to, cleaning minor cuts, scrapes or scratches;
treating a minor burn; applying bandages and/or dressings, a cold compress or ice bag;
and putting on a splint at the workplace.
What if I don't sign the Form 7?
If you can't or don't want to sign the Form 7 following your workplace injury/illness,
the WSIB will automatically send you a Form 6 when they receive the unsigned
Form 7 or a report from your doctor (Form 8). If you choose to complete the Form
6, you must give a copy of it to your supervisor.
What is a Form 6?
It is the Worker's Report of Injury/Disease. It is required when an injured
employee does not sign the completed Form 7.
What is a Form 8?
It is the form that your health care professional completes. It
is used to provide the WSIB with information about your illness or injury. It
is not a replacement for forms 6 or 7.
What if I don't agree with a WSIB claim decision?
If the WSIB makes a decision that you do not agree with, your first step is to
discuss it with the person who made the decision. The name of the decision maker
along with his/her contact information will be noted at the bottom of your
correspondence from the WSIB along with a statement about appeal time limits.
Can I sue my employer if my accident arose from unsafe work conditions?
Typically, no. However, there are some exceptions to the rule. It is best to seek legal
advice to determine your options. Contact IWAC for a free consultation.
Don’t I get anything for my pain and suffering?
If you develop a permanent impairment from your work injury, you are
entitled to a Non-Economic Loss (NEL) Award. This is usually a one-time
lump sum payment to reflect pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life.
However, it is calculated on a fairly arbitrary basis. The board provides you
with a list of doctors from which you will choose one, and undergo an examination. The
doctor will write a report reflecting the extent of your physical limitations,
and the board will perform a calculation of your entitlement.
What if I cannot return to my job as a result of my work injury?
If your employer cannot accommodate you with a permanent job in keeping with your
restrictions, the board will prepare a plan to determine the best way to
return you to the workforce in a suitable position. If that involves retraining,
the board will pay for same.
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