Workers Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) and COVID-19

If a worker has been exposed to an infectious substance such as COVID-19 while at work and becomes ill as a result they may be entitled to compensation through WSIB. As more COVID-19 cases appear in the workplace, successful claims will have to be able to track exposure and show that the workplace was a significant contributing factor to the illness.

What should I do if I have been exposed, or believe I have been exposed, to COVID-19 at work?

Complete a Worker’s Exposure Incident Form which you can access by clicking here.

WSIB makes available a Worker’s Exposure Incident Form that is for voluntary use in the event a worker has an unplanned workplace exposure to various dangerous substances, including those that are infectious.

Completion of this form immediately or soon after exposure will assist in showing causation and connection to the workplace if you become sick in the days and weeks after. Even if you are not experiencing symptoms yet, you should complete the Worker’s Exposure Incident Form, fax or mail a copy to WSIB, and keep a copy for your records.

What if I am required to be self quarantined or contract COVID-19?

If you are required to self-quarantine or contract COVID-19 as a result of being exposed to COVID-19 at work you should make a WSIB claim if you have to seek medical attention including having to be tested for COVID-19.

When seeking medical attention, it is important to inform the healthcare provider that you were exposed to COVID-19 at work. This will ensure that your healthcare provider will complete WSIB documentation they are required to submit for a WSIB claim.

To make a WSIB claim online click here. You will need the following information in order to make a claim:

· The valid 8-digit claim number for this injury/disease (if you have a number - if not, please leave Claim Number field blank)

· Your information ( i.e. name, date of birth, address)

· Employer information ( i.e. name, address)

· Accident/Illness details ( i.e. date of the accident , area of injury)

· Health care information ( i.e. treatment date and location)

· Employment information ( i.e. work schedule, earnings)

· Return-to-work information (i.e. modified work details)

If you are required to self-quarantine and do not get a diagnosis and do not get sick you will not be eligible for WSIB coverage

What if my employer doesn’t think I was exposed at work?

If you are required to self-quarantine, or you contract COVID-19 and believe that you were exposed at work, you are able to file a WSIB complaint whether your employer agrees or not. The matter of whether you were exposed or not is a matter for a WSIB adjudicator to determine, not the employer. Being able to provide documentation supporting exposure at work will help your claim be successful and why you should submit the Worker’s Exposure Incident Form as soon as, and each time, you believe you have been exposed.

To get more information on WSIB benefits and services click here.