If you get hurt while working in Manitoba, you can receive help and money from the Workers Compensation Board (WCB). First, you make a claim with the WCB. Then, they decide if they will accept your claim. If they accept it, you get your benefits. Finally, you go back to work.

What is the WCB?

The WCB is a company made by the Canadian government. It helps workers in Canada who get hurt on the job by giving them money. If you work in a required industry in Manitoba, you can ask the WCB for help. It doesn’t matter what kind of visa you have. You can still ask for help from the WCB. The required industries are:

• farming and growing trees
• mines, and oil wells
• manufacturing
• construction
• transportation, communications, and storage
• trade (selling things in stores)
• service
• public administration

The number of hours you work or where you work does not matter when making a claim with the WCB.

What medical benefits does the WCB pay for?

The WCB will pay for many of your medical costs including:

• help given by a doctor or nurse
• medicine
• artificial arms or legs, supports, walking sticks, canes, or devices to help with hearing/li>

Please go to Workers Compensation Benefits for Injured Workers to see the full list of benefits.

How much money does the WCB give you from your income?

If you cannot work because of your injury, the WCB gives you money. They pay you 90% of the money you usually take home. This is called your net income. The WCB looks at your tax forms to know your income. If you earn less than 28,080$, the WCB pays you all of your net income. You don’t have to pay taxes on the money you get from the WCB.

Not all workers get the same money for the same injury. For example, the WCB checks how many people depend on you. If you have more dependents, then you get more money.

How do you make a claim?

If you get hurt at work, tell your boss first. Fill out the Notice of Injury to Employer form.” rel=”noopener” target=”_blank”>Notice of Injury to Employer form. Keep one form for yourself and give a copy to your boss. You can complete this form in any language. If needed, the WCB will translate it. Your boss will tell the WCB about your injury.

Then go see a doctor. Tell the doctor that you were hurt at work. The doctor will fill out some papers. They will send the papers to the WCB.

Lastly, call the WCB to tell them about the accident. The person at the WCB will ask you questions and write down the information. If you need help with language, you can ask for a translator. Another option is to fill out your claim online.

What should I do if my boss treats me unfairly because I made a claim?

You might be scared that if you make a claim with the WCB, your boss will fire you. They might also lower your pay, cut your work hours, or change your schedule to make it worse. If this happens, you can tell the WCB about it. They will look into the problem and talk to your boss. If your boss is found guilty, they will have to pay a lot of money to the WCB. It is better to make a complaint as soon as possible.

Call 204-888-8081, or toll free 1-844-888-8081. You can also email Compliance@wcb.mb.ca. Another option is to send the information online.

Getting hurt at work is very bad, but the WCB is here to help! Don’t be scared to talk to your boss if you get hurt. Always go to the doctor if you’re injured.

Work safe!
 
By Nastashya Wall
 
Sources: WCB Benefits Guide FAQ; Does my Business Need Coverage? WBC; Discriminatory Action FAQ, WCB; Calculation of wage loss benefits, WCB; and What to expect: The Claim Process for Injured Workers, WCB. Accessed May 8, 2023.