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Safety first: Basics that all employees and employers need to know about workers’ compensation

July 2, 2025
Drew Maginn

When it comes to workplace safety, both employees and employers have important roles to play. However, despite best efforts, accidents do happen, and when they do, it’s important to understand the best way to manage them. So if you find yourself suddenly navigating a workplace injury or illness, knowing the basics about workers’ compensation can mean you are prepared to take action, whether you’re the employer or employee in the situation.

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What is workers’ compensation or ‘workmans comp’?

Workers’ compensation, often referred to as “workmans comp,” is a mandatory, employer-paid program that ensures wage replacement, medical benefits and other support services, such as rehabilitation, are available to employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses. 

What is workmans comp insurance and how is it calculated?

Workmans comp insurance is a form of workplace insurance that ensures employers can provide benefits to injured or ill employees. It covers a range of workplace incidents, including accidents, as well as long-term, cumulative problems associated with exposure to certain harmful substances or repetitive strain injuries. Most employers are required to maintain this type of insurance coverage, although there are rare instances where self-employed individuals or small businesses may become exempt. It’s also important to note this type of insurance is considered “no fault,” meaning that claims can be submitted regardless of whether the employer or employee is responsible for the injury or illness. 

The premiums paid by employers are based on a classification system that evaluates employers based on their industry and associated risks. The total paid by an employer depends on their specific rate and the size of their workforce. However, in some instances, premiums may be adjusted based on incentives that prioritize workplace safety, including the claims history of the specific employer.

” Workers’ compensation, often referred to as “workmans comp,” is a mandatory, employer-paid program that ensures wage replacement, medical benefits and other support services, such as rehabilitation, are available to employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses. ”

Who is responsible for overseeing workers’ compensation in Canada?

In the Canadian context, workmans comp is managed by provincial and territorial workers’ compensation boards. Key responsibilities of workers’ compensation boards include facilitating injury reporting, managing claims and collecting premiums. However, most workers’ compensation boards operate under an overarching mission to reduce the impact of workplace injuries and illnesses while facilitating employees’ recovery and return to work in a timely manner.

How do I file a workers’ compensation claim?

If an employee suffers a workplace injury or illness, workers’ compensation boards will outline specific steps that should be taken to make sure it is reported in a timely manner. While these steps vary depending on your province or territory, they generally look something like this:

  1. Formally report your injury or illness to your employer as quickly as possible and complete any required paperwork.
  2. Seek immediate treatment from a reputable medical provider (if needed). All records should be kept for future reporting.
  3. Submit a claim form to your provincial or territorial workers’ compensation board.
  4. Provide updates on your recovery plan, with the ultimate goal of returning to work as soon as you are able.

Employers are also required to report any workplace injuries or illnesses to the appropriate workers’ compensation board. This includes being fully transparent as it relates to reporting on the incident, the conditions of the workplace and the specific duties of the impacted employee. Employers remain involved throughout the process and are expected to support the employee returning to work in a safe and productive way. 

Navigating bumps along the road to recovery

Workers’ compensation is intended to serve the best interests of both employer and employee, but given the stress involved with managing workplace injuries or illnesses, it is recommended that you consider the following to assist you during the process.

  • Document early and often: It’simportant to start documenting as soon as the incident occurs. Keep records of all medical exams, reports, photos, claims or general correspondence. Navigating the claims process can take weeks, months or even years, so this type of thoughtful documentation is critical for both employers and employees.

  • Maintain open lines of communication: Employers and employees should do their best to establish open lines of communication and build trust with one another. If trust is broken by either party, it can create a contentious situation that ultimately serves no one. Checking in with one another throughout the process, especially during the recovery phase, can keep the relationship strong and ensure that a path back to the workplace remains a strong possibility.

  • Know when to engage with experts: If certain incidents create scenarios where relationships become strained, it may be best to have disputes or disagreements mediated by professionals. Depending on the situation, this could include union representatives, health and safety committee members or legal experts.

 

  • Prioritize prevention and safety efforts: While not all injuries or illnesses can be avoided, many are preventable. This includes employers taking safety seriously through ongoing training and enforcement of safe practices and employees following all required policies and procedures.

The roles of most human capital management professionals are likely impacted by workers’ compensation. Whether that involves registering with a provincial or territorial workers’ compensation board, paying premiums or supporting a colleague’s recovery and return to work, knowing the basics can ensure you feel confident in doing your part, no matter what role you play in the process.

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