What are AWCBC Members doing in response to COVID-19?

Here’s what AWCBC Members from all Workers' Compensation Boards of Canada and Commissions across Canada are doing to respond to...

What are AWCBC Members doing in response to COVID-19?

Here’s what AWCBC Members from all Workers’ Compensation Boards of Canada and Commissions across Canada are doing to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Note: For more COVID-19 Information & Updates, visit here.

Board/CommissionResponse to COVID-19
WorkplaceNLWorkplaceNL is using physical distancing and other public health measures to help proactively slow the spread of COVID-19. Most of the employees are working remotely, with limited staff in office. Clients are asked to call their case management team directly or contact them by email. Anyone not yet set up on direct deposit is being urged to do so. Payments from employers have been deferred until August 31, 2020.

Client Service Update (last updated on February 12, 2021)

Advisory: New COVID-19 Guidelines for Employers (released on June 18, 2020) | COVID-19 Guidelines for Employers (pdf)

WorkplaceNL defers assessment payments from employers until August 31, 2020 (released on May 21, 2020)

WorkplaceNL reassures injured workers that benefits will continue (released on March 24, 2020)

WorkplaceNL defers assessment payments from employers until June 30, 2020 (released on March 24, 2020)

Advisory: WorkplaceNL offering reduced services (released on March 18, 2020)

Quick facts: COVID-19 (pdf) (published in March 2020)

Detailed information related to COVID-19 for Newfoundland and Labrador is available here.
Workers Compensation Board of Prince Edward IslandWCB PEI is continuing to provide essential services to Islanders, but to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, the WCB office is closed to visitors. WCB staff is available over the phone or by email. OHS Officers continue to assist workplaces with health and safety matters. Where worksite visits are required, WCB PEI officers will use social distancing to ensure safety. WCB PEI deferred employer assessment due dates until September 30, 2020.

WCB Operations during COVID-19 (updated on March 01, 2021)

Resources: Industry Specific COVID-19 Tips and Resources | COVID-19 Toolkit | COVID-19 and the workplace

Employer assessment due dates deferred until September 30, 2020 (released on May 14, 2020)

Supporting Injured Workers and Local Service Providers through Tele Health/Rehabilitation – Information for Service Providers (pdf)

WCB PEI defers employer assessment due dates until June 30, 2020 (released on March 24, 2020)

COVID-19: Workplace Health and Safety Information (released on March 22, 2020)

COVID-19 and Workers Compensation Claims (released on March 19, 2020)

WCB PEI Operations during COVID-19 (released on March 18, 2020)

Detailed information related to COVID-19 for Prince Edward Island is available here.
WCB Nova ScotiaWCB Nova Scotia has been adapting their operations in response to COVID-19 and have suspended all in-person service. As an operation they continue to provide the important services they need to, monitor the progression of the virus, and refer to the guidance of public health officials. Benefit payments will not be impacted by the inability for a treatment to be provided, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Employer premiums have been deferred until July, 2020.

WCB to reopen offices July 2 for PMI appointments only in Halifax and Sydney (released on June 26, 2020)

Health services treatments during the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic (last updated on June 18, 2020)

WCB Nova Scotia announces further support for employers during COVID-19 (released on May 29, 2020)

COVID-19 Prevention: Resource Hub | Supporting workplace safety | Working safely during pandemic

WCB Nova Scotia partners with Province to defer employer premiums until July, 2020 (released on March 20, 2020)

In-person services suspended at WCB Offices in Halifax and Sydney (released on March 18, 2020)

WCB Nova Scotia’s Response to COVID-19

Information for Workers: here | Information for Employers: here
WorksafeNBWorkSafeNB is encouraging all New Brunswick workplaces to follow the advice of the Public Health of Canada and the Government of New Brunswick related to offering essential services, self-isolation, travel, and avoiding workplaces if symptomatic. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic and the restrictions necessary to reduce risk, workplaces will not be the same as we left them and we will need to adjust. And while we all try to establish a new normal at our workplaces, there will certainly be an added layer of health and safety measures (physical distancing, screening, handwashing, etc.) required to ensure the safety of workers, customers and visitors.
As a workplace, WorkSafeNB has precautionary measures in place at all offices and their rehabilitation centre to both protect staff and visitors and ensure the continuity of critical services. Employer premium payments have been deferred for three months.

New guide and template to help employers as COVID-19 restrictions ease- March 11, 2022

News Release: Increased COVID-19 workplace transmissions

Updates to Embracing the New Normal guide (version 8) - June 18, 2021 - view here

WorkSafeNB: New Brunswick has entered Phase One of the Path to Green. Read applicable guidelines here.

Campaign urges employers to check their COVID-19 operational plan, read news release here.

All employers need a COVID-19 operational plan, read news release here.

Embracing the New Normal – As we safely return to work (pdf) (last updated on July 14, 2020)

News Release: Three-month deferral of premiums comes to an end (released on June 8, 2020)

News Release: WorkSafeNB defers premium payments for three months, with Q&A (released on March 20, 2020)

Working safely from home as we navigate COVID-19

News Release WorkSafeNB’s commitment to service during COVID-19 (released on March 18, 2020)

COVID-19:
Frequently Asked Questions
A conversation with Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Paul Atkinson (published on March 31, 2020)
What New Brunswick workers and employers need to know
Prevention tool for workplaces

Detailed information related to COVID-19 for New Brunswick is available here.
Commission des normes, de l’équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail (CNESST)
All the central and regional offices of CNESST remain functional. However, they strongly recommend that its customers do not go there and use its online services as a priority. All of its events scheduled for the coming weeks have been canceled, and the CNESST will quickly specify the cancellation and refund terms.
COVID 19 related information can be accessed here.

COVID 19 Toolkit | Preventive measures by alert level | Questions and answers – COVID-19 | CNESST flexibility measures
Workplace Safety and Insurance Board of Ontario (WSIB)
The WSIB continues to actively monitor the guidance of provincial and national health authorities to ensure we are able to protect the health and safety of our employees and continue to serve the people of Ontario. The financial relief package allows businesses to defer premium reporting and payments until August 31, 2020. Businesses who report and pay monthly, quarterly, or annually based on their insurable earnings are eligible for this deferral. More information - Businesses: WSIB financial relief package

WSIB Novel coronavirus (COVID-19) update

Health and Safety Excellence program: Pandemic readiness

Claims Information - WSIB COVID-19 FAQs | COVID-19 WSIB Adjudication Approach (pdf)

FAQs for business accounts: here | FAQs for health care providers: here

Detailed information related to COVID-19 for Ontario is available here.
WCB ManitobaAs Manitoba begins recovery planning efforts, SAFE Work Manitoba is proceeding with the utmost caution keeping your safety and health as highest priority. SAFE Work Manitoba has reassessed ​and decided to postpone all in-​person workshops​ and events until the end of August 2020. SAFE Work Manitoba will continue to monitor the guidance of health authorities and reassess plans as necessary.​​ WCB MB deferred premium payments until the end of May 2020.

COVID-19: Update | Resources | Industry-specific Information

Fact Sheet: WCB Manitoba’s Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic | How WCB Manitoba is Responding to COVID-19 | How SAFE Work Manitoba is responding to COVID-19

Ask the Safety Expert: How can our committee help our workplace return to operations, now that some COVID-19 restrictions are lifting?

Safety Swap: Preventing the spread of COVID-19

Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba returns $37-million surplus to provide financial relief to eligible employers

Ask the Safety Expert: How can our workplace safety and health committee continue to meet while we practice physical distancing due to the COVID-19 pandemic?

All COVID-19 related resources and information by Safe Work Manitoba can be accessed here.
Saskatchewan Workers’ Compensation BoardWorkSafe Saskatchewan is working to support the direction of public health agencies for slowing the progression of COVID-19 (coronavirus) by helping workplaces take appropriate preventative measures. They are encouraging workers to sign up for direct deposit to minimize payment delays. Any claims the WCB receives for COVID-19 will be adjudicated on a case-by-case basis. Saskatchewan WCB waived penalties and interest charges for late premium payments initially until June 30, 2020, which has been further extended until June 30, 2022 and will be monitored monthly. Learn more here.

Saskatchewan WCB’s Employer Relief Measures

WorkSafe Saskatchewan – COVID-19 and the workplace

COVID 19: Information for care providers | Information for workers | Information for employers | Ergonomic safety at home

Detailed information related to COVID-19 for Saskatchewan is available here.
Workers’ Compensation Board of AlbertaAs businesses and service providers in Alberta begin to reopen, WCB Alberta is to help workers and employers through the process, transition from a virtual treatment program to a safe return to modified work. More information related to business resumption is available here.

All private sector employers will have their 2020 WCB Alberta premiums deferred to 2021.

Are you receiving the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS)? CEWS is a federal wage subsidy program to help employers during the COVID pandemic. Learn how this subsidy impacts your WCB premiums, click here.

COVID-19 at Work (last updated May 11, 2020)

COVID-19 Worker Factsheet (pdf) (last updated March 26, 2020)

Premium relief for employers (pdf) (last updated March 24, 2020)

Extensive information related to COVID-19 from WCB Alberta is available here.
WorkSafeBCWorkSafeBC is actively monitoring and adjusting to the COVID-19 situation and continue to follow guidance from public health officials and provide health & safety protocols & information to industries as the province moves through the phases of BC’s Restart Plan. WorkSafeBC postponed the payment deadline for Q1 2020 until June 30, 2020. Now the quarterly premium payments have been deferred for an additional quarter. Employers who report payroll and make payments on a quarterly basis can defer their Q1 and Q2 payments without penalty until October 20, 2020. WorkSafeBC recognizes that some businesses may still be facing challenges during this time, and they are offering help if businesses can't make payment by October 20. Businesses can also discuss an option to pay premiums in monthly installments of ¼ of your outstanding balance. More information here.

By order of the Provincial Health Officer (PHO), proof of vaccination will be required to access some events, services and businesses beginning on September 13. Getting vaccinated keeps everyone in B.C. safe and stops the spread of COVID-19. More information here


BC’s Restart: Step 2 begins June 15, 2021, for more information click here | announced on June 14, 2021

Employers need to sign up for online services to apply for COVID-19 sick-leave reimbursement. Read here.

On May 11, 2021, Province announces short-term paid sick leave for COVID. Read announcement here.
On May 2, 2021, the provincial health officer issued an order requiring workers to wear masks in indoor common areas of workplaces. Announcement here

COVID-19 and responsibilities of prime contractors on construction sites. Details here

Resources to address the mental health effects of COVID-19 in the workplace - click here (published on December 11, 2020)

New resource clarifies the use of face shields in the workplace - view here (published on December 7, 2020)

Highlights of key changes to WorkSafeBC's COVID-19 health and safety information in the week of November 9, 2020, read here.

Phase 1: Ended May 18, 2020 | Phase 2: Ended June 23, 2020 | Phase 3: June 24, 2020 onwards | Phase 4: Conditional on global availability of vaccine or treatment

COVID-19 frequently asked questions | COVID-19 and returning to safe operation (Industry-specific information) – Phase 2 & 3 | COVID-19 and returning to safe operation (Industry-specific information) – Phase 1

COVID-19 Safety Plan App (published in June 2020) | COVID-19 Safety Plan (published in May 2020) | COVID-19 Resources

COVID-19 claims data by industry

A message from WorkSafeBC President and CEO (released on March 20, 2020)

Workers:
COVID-19 Information
COVID-19 Claims
Health & Safety - What workers should do
Employers:
COVID-19 Information
Health & Safety - What employers should do
Health and safety responsibilities when working from home (released on March 19, 2020)
The COVID-19 situation and your reporting and payment deadline
WorkSafeBC announces additional support for employers impacted by COVID-19 (released on May 26, 2020)
Inspections during the COVID-19 pandemic (last updated in May 2020)
Health Care Providers: COVID-19 health care provider update

Extensive information and resources related to COVID-19 from WorkSafeBC are available here.
Workers' Safety and Compensation Board - YukonWCSB - Yukon (formerly YWCHSB) is participating in the Government of Yukon’s economic stimulus package designed to support local workers and businesses impacted by COVID-19, helping safeguard business’ financial stability as well as promote health and safety measures in workplaces. As part of the stimulus package, WCSB - Yukon is offering relief to businesses experiencing serious adverse financial impacts.

Operating businesses safely during COVID-19 (last updated on July 22, 2020)

COVID-19 and Your Workplace (last updated on May 20, 2020)
Workers’ Safety & Compensation Commission of Northwest Territories and NunavutDuring COVID-19 pandemic, WSCC continues to deliver core services to workers and employers but anticipates possible delays during this time. The WSCC is working with partners and adapting services to ensure continued to meet the needs of workers, employers and healthcare providers in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut. All service updates will be posted here as soon they become available.

Workplace Safety Planning for COVID-19 - Employers must have an Exposure Control Plan in place that looks at the risk of COVID-19 transmission in their workplace. WSCC has issued five steps that employers should follow to identify what safety measures and procedures need to be in place to reopen and run your workplace safely. Read them here.

COVID-19 and the Workplace: General Precautions and a Risk Assessment for the Northwest Territories (last updated March 21, 2020)

COVID-19 Update: WSCC Office Closures (last updated March 18, 2020)

Update on WSCC Services for Claimants and Employers (last updated March 17, 2020)

Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Update for Employers and Workers (last updated on March 16, 2020)

Employer Assessment Payments Due Date Extended - April 1 deadline changed to May 1, 2020. (last updated on March 16, 2020)

Media Release:
WSCC guidance for Northern workplaces to reopen safely during COVID-19 - Yellowknife, NT (released on June 15 2020)
WSCC Announces Additional Financial Relief Measures for Employers - Yellowknife, NT (released on April 8, 2020)
COVID-19 and the Workplace: Guidance and Risk Assessment Tool for Employers in the Northwest Territories. - Yellowknife, NT (released on March 23, 2020)

Detailed information related to COVID-19 by Workers’ Safety & Compensation Commission of Northwest Territories and Nunavut is available here.

Disclaimer:
**This table has been designed for general information purposes only. The AWCBC makes no representations as to the completeness or accuracy of the information (which is not exhaustive) and individual workers’ compensation boards/commissions should be contacted for specific or additional information and clarification. See AWCBC’s website for links to Boards/Commissions.

Source: Association of Workers’ Compensation Boards of Canada

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