Accidents & Injuries
Despite the best efforts of all members of the College community, accidents do happen. As an employee of the College, you are required to report accidents to your supervisor. Policy HS-05 “Accident Reporting and Investigation” states that: all accidents which involve personal injury to an employee and accidents which result in damage/ loss of College property must be reported using an On-line Incident Report
Personal injury includes all injuries (regardless of seriousness), occupational illnesses, hazardous exposures to blood and body fluids and hazardous exposures to chemical, biological or physical agents.
Supervisors are to ensure that:
- i) Treatment is provided
- ii) An On-line Quick Report is completed
iii) An investigation is conducted, and the cause of the incident is determined
Contact Security Services by dialing 5000 if first aid or medical attention is required or when Health Services is not available.
Injuries
In the unfortunate event that you are injured as a result of an accident, several important measures must be taken. The College, as your employer, is required by law to report all injuries that require medical treatment or result in a loss of work time beyond the day of the accident to the Workplace Safety & Insurance Board (WSIB).
Wellness and Abilities team to be contacted at disability@algonquincollege.com within 24 hours of an accident/incident that results in an employee requiring health care, lost time and/or accommodation greater than 7 days.
Whether you wish to pursue a claim with the WSIB or not, the employer is still obligated to file it’s report within 72 hours of the injury. The Accident / Incident Report forms the basis for the documentation that will be sent to the WSIB regarding your injury.
The initial documentation provided to the WSIB reports the circumstances of the accident and the nature of the injury, along with necessary employment information for compensation purposes.
Following the submission of this documentation, you will be contacted by the WSIB to obtain more detailed and personal information. Depending on the claim, this may take anywhere from two to six weeks.
WSIB Benefits
Generally, WSIB will cover health care expenses and temporary income replacement benefits at a rate of 85% of your net average earnings for claims that are allowed. At the College, you will be put on sick leave at 100% pay when you first go off with a work- related injury. Adjustments are made by Human Resources if and when a claim is approved. In the event your claim is denied, your time away will remain as sick leave.
Claims may be denied in instances where the claim is for a non-compensable injury / illness, the claim is un-substantiated, or where an objection by the employer has been upheld.
Staying In Touch
The Workplace Safety & Insurance Act requires that employees who are off due to a work-related injury stay in touch with their employers and vice versa. You should be providing regularly updated medical certificates to your supervisor and Human Resources. Typically, your medical certificates will indicate the anticipated date of return to work. Your supervisor may also contact you periodically while you are away.
In addition, staying in touch allows you the opportunity to ask questions regarding your claim and it’s progress, your pay and benefits, and helps you stay informed about things happening at work, which may make your return to work easier.
Modified Work
Modified work refers to the adjustment of work hours and duties to coincide with an injured worker’s functional ability at stages during their recovery. It allows an opportunity to lessen the financial and social effects of a prolonged absence from work by returning an employee to work gradually as early and safely as possible. In accordance with WSIB legislation, employers are required to undertake measures for an early and safe return to work for injured workers in consultation with your physician. If you are injured at work and there is an opportunity to pursue modified duties, you will be contacted by Human Resources. Your cooperation in such a program is required according to WSIB legislation.