Occupational Coverage Overview

Some schools have declined to opt into occupational injury coverage through their provincial workers’ compensation plans. This may occur where provincial workers’ compensation plans exclude or exempt a class of employees or employers from coverage, but allows the employees or employers to opt into coverage.

Although the CSI Canada Insurance Plan (the “CSI Plan”) covers occupational claims for participants (and offers additional coverage for staff working less than half time in those schools that have opted out of workers’ compensation), each of you should determine your own school’s particular needs in deciding whether to obtain coverage through workers’ compensation. Workers’ compensation coverage extends far beyond just wage loss benefits. Workers’ compensation includes lump sum permanent disability or death benefits, lump sum funeral expenses, physical, vocational or social rehabilitation services, medical aid and other benefits such as transportation.

Each provincial Board has a website you can review:

Alberta: http://www.wcb.ab.ca
Manitoba: http://www.wcb.mb.ca/
Ontario: http://www.wsib.on.ca/wsib/wsibsite.nsf/public/home_e

The CSI Plan coverage is not as generous as workers’ compensation. Schools considering opting out of workers’ compensation should also consider that employees and dependents will re-acquire the right to sue their employer for injuries sustained in the workplace.

Full Issue: No. 332 - May 12, 2010

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