What to Do After a Workplace Injury in Canada

Being hurt at work brings a worry most injuries don't: your job and your income, on top of your body. Here's how to steady all three.

First, get care

Get first aid or medical attention right away. When you see a doctor, tell them clearly that the injury happened at work — it changes how your care is documented and funded.

Report it — promptly

• Tell your employer as soon as you can. Most provinces expect prompt reporting, and delays can complicate your claim.
• File a claim with your provincial board. Depending where you work, that's the WSIB, WorkSafeBC, WCB, CNESST, WorkSafeNB, WorkplaceNL, the WSCC, or Yukon's WSCB.
• Workers' compensation in Canada is no-fault — you don't have to prove anyone was to blame to receive benefits.

Keep your own record

• Write down what happened, when, and who saw it.
• Log every appointment, every call with your employer and the board, and every form.
• Note your symptoms and your limits, day by day.

Returning to work

Your board and employer will likely talk about modified or gradual return to work. That can be good — but only if it fits what your body can actually do. Documenting your real limits, in your own words, is how you make sure return-to-work supports your recovery instead of rushing it.

The exact forms, deadlines, and rights depend on which province you work in. That's what our provincial workplace guides are built to walk you through.