workers' compensation changes require injured nova scotians, employers to collaborate on safe, timely return to job
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labour minister nolan young makes an announcement in shelburne on feb. 6.
communications nova scotia
changes to the nova scotia workers’ compensation system will help workers recover from injury while staying connected to the workplace.
“these changes are about making return to work part of recovery,” labour minister nolan young said in a news release.
“we know that when workers stay connected to the workplace after an injury, they recover better and have better long-term outcomes.”
the changes that took effect tuesday are part of the stronger workplaces for nova scotia legislation, introduced and passed in the provincial legislature in september 2024.
the part of the legislation that went into effect tuesday is known as the duty to co-operate and it requires nova scotia workers injured on the job and their employers to work together for a timely and safe return to work.
the new legislation requires collaboration between employers, workers and the workers’ compensation board of nova scotia (wcb nova scotia) to support an early and safe return to work.
employers are expected to offer meaningful accommodations, such as the type of work available, and maintain open communication, while workers are expected to participate in planning for a safe return, which may include helping identify suitable work.
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wcb nova scotia helps guide the process and ensures all parties are meeting their responsibilities.
over the past six months, wcb nova scotia has worked with employers, workers and health-care providers to prepare for the change, including offering webinars, tools and resources to help workplaces get ready.
“research, experience and common sense all tell us the same thing: when it’s safe to do so, staying connected to work helps people recover faster and more fully,” said karen adams, wcb nova scotia’s chief executive officer.
“duty to co-operate is about ensuring no one goes through recovery or return to work alone. workers want to get back to their lives, and employers want a strong, stable workforce. we believe in that shared goal.”
the legislation is one of several steps the province has taken to improve the workers’ compensation system.
nova scotia has the lowest return-to-work rates and one of the longest claim durations in canada, averaging 168 days in 2022.
workers injured on the job in nova scotia are returning to work more slowly than they were a decade ago. in 2012, 52 per cent of workers injured on the job returned to work within 30 days and 88 per cent returned within 180 days.
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by 2022, those numbers had fallen to only 46 per cent returning to work within 30 days and 81 per cent within 180 days.
wcb nova scotia’s 2024-2030 strategic plan, protect more, focuses on the key pillars of injury prevention, return to work and exceptional service.
the new legislation reflects key recommendations from the 2024 review of the workers’ compensation system.
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