WSIB Claims in Ontario Guide

If you’re dealing with a work injury or illness, the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) process can feel overwhelming. Here’s a concise walkthrough of what to do, when to do it, and what benefits may apply—updated and fact-checked for Ontario.

Step-by-Step: How to Start a WSIB Claim

1. Tell your employer right away.
   Employers must report to WSIB once certain triggers are met (e.g., health care beyond first aid, time off work, reduced earnings, or modified duties; also if modified work at regular pay lasts beyond seven calendar days). WSIB must receive the Employer’s Report (Form 7) within three business days after the reporting obligation arises.

2. Get medical care and say it’s work-related.
   Your treating professional completes Form 8 (Health Professional’s Report) and sends it to WSIB.

3. File your claim with WSIB.
   Complete the Worker’s Report of Injury/Disease (Form 6). You generally have six months from the injury date (or from diagnosis for occupational disease) to file. You can submit online or by mail.

4. Day-of-injury pay & transport.
   Employers must pay full wages and benefits for the day of injury and cover necessary transportation to a medical facility that day.

What Workers Should Do

• Report and document. Tell your employer, file Form 6, and keep notes.

• Stay in touch & cooperate with return to work (RTW). Workers and employers must co-operate in RTW planning. You may be asked to share functional abilities info (often via the optional WSIB Functional Abilities Form).

• Report material changes within 10 days. If your medical status, income, or work status changes, notify WSIB within 10 calendar days.

What Employers Must Do

• Immediate response. Provide first aid, pay full wages on the day of injury, and arrange/cover transportation if needed.

• File Form 7 on time. WSIB must receive it within three business days once reporting is triggered; late or incomplete reports can lead to penalties. Give the worker a copy.

• Co-operate on RTW. Work with the worker (and WSIB) to identify safe, suitable duties consistent with functional abilities.

Common WSIB Benefits

• Loss-of-Earnings (LOE). Income-replacement benefits are generally 85% of pre-injury net average earnings, subject to WSIB rules.

• Non-Economic Loss (NEL). A lump-sum award for permanent impairment unrelated to earnings.

• Health-care benefits. Coverage for approved treatment, devices, and medications.

While on benefits: keep WSIB updated on any material change within 10 days (e.g., return to work, other income, medical status) and co-operate with health exams and RTW steps; non-cooperation can affect benefits.

Quick Timeline Cheatsheet

• Worker files claim (Form 6): within 6 months.

• Employer files report (Form 7): WSIB must receive it within 3 business days after the duty to report arises.

• Report material changes: within 10 days.

Need help?

WSIB rules are detail-heavy and deadlines matter. If you’re unsure about eligibility, benefits, or next steps, the employment and workplace injury team at Vanguard Law can guide you through the claim, RTW, or an appeal.

This guide is general information, not legal advice.