Worker Safety in Nova Scotia
Staying safe and secure from workplace injury
Every year thousands of Nova Scotians are hurt on the job. It doesn’t have to be that way. By embracing safety and making it a fundamental part of how we operate, we can make workplace injuries a thing of the past. The WCB provides workplace insurance to more than 300,000 Nova Scotians. That insurance is funded 100 per cent by employer contributions. Workers are not required to pay for this insurance.
Returning to work
A workplace injury can lead to physical, emotional and financial challenges for you and your family. The WCB is here to help.
The best thing to do is to get back to your regular life and your regular paycheque as soon as is safely possible. The WCB will work with you and your employer to help you return to work after an injury. Staying connected to the workplace and returning to work, to a regular job or on transitional duties, helps workers recover more quickly. If you are not able to return to your regular job, the WCB will work with you and your employer to explore transitional duties.
Returning to work is important because it:
- Reduces or eliminates your lost-earnings
- Helps you stay active, which speeds up your recovery
- Minimizes the impact on your family
- Shifts the focus from what you ‘can’t do’ to what you ‘can do’
- Maintains your sense of confidence and value
- Allows you to stay connected to your co-workers and the workplace
As you recover from your injury, please visit wcb.ns.ca/workingtowell. You'll learn what you should expect from us, from your employer, and from your health-care provider. Our website outlines what benefits and services may be available and shares stories from Atlantic Canadians who have successfully recovered from a workplace injury
Benefits
If you are hurt on the job, workplace insurance will provide income replacement benefits, health care, vocational rehabilitation and return-to-work assistance.
What to do if you get hurt
Every workplace injury has an impact, but most are relatively minor and won't result in time off the job.
If you do get hurt, first take care of yourself. As soon as possible, report your injury to your employer and go to a doctor or other healthcare provider if you need medical assistance.
Be sure to report the incident to your supervisor and fill out a WCB Injury Report Form. Don’t delay in filing this report.
Work with your employer to learn why the injury happened, and prevent it from happening again. The WCB has created a comprehensive brochure that helps you spot the hazards and with a few simple changes, reduce the likelihood of future injuries.
Remember, we’re here to help you get back to your work and life as quickly as you safely can.