The WCB works closely with several external organizations to offer more comprehensive, convenient, feasible and effective services for clients. The WCB is interested in working with any organization that can help them meet their goals to prevent workplace injuries, return injured workers to work, and provide a financially stable workplace safety and insurance system. Major partners:The Workplace Safety and Insurance System: The WSIS includes workers, employers, the agencies - Workers' Advisers Program (WAP), Workers' Compensation Appeals Tribunal (WCAT), Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) and the Workers' Compensation Board of Nova Scotia (WCB) - and others who provide services in the System.
- Workers' Advisers Program. The Workers' Advisers Program, at the Department of Environment and Labour, is a legislated provincial government service. It is independent from the WCB, and provides legal services to clients under the Workers' Compensation Act. The WAP is responsible for the development, implementation and maintenance of programs to advise, assist and represent eligible injured workers who have been denied benefits under the Workers' Compensation Act.
- Workers' Compensation Appeals Tribunal. The Workers' Compensation Appeals Tribunal, at the Department of Justice, was created under the Workers' Compensation Act in February, 1996. It is an external appeals agency, independent of the WCB. The WCAT hears and decides appeals from hearing officers - the final level of appeal at the WCB. Appeals may be taken by workers or employers and may inovlve claims-related issues or employer assessment matters. The WCAT also has exclusive jurisdiction to determine whether the Act bars a right of action against employers.
- Occupational Health and Safety Division. The Occupational Health and Safety Division operates within the Department of Environment and Labour. Its proposed mission statement is to establish and enforce clear standards to reduce occupational injury and illness. The objectives of the OHS are to work with its partners to reduce the incidence of inury and illness of employees, improve the understanding of occupational health and safety standards by all workplace parties, and improve health and safety conditions in the workplace by means of research, inspection, investigation and enforcement of legislation.
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada. The WCB works closely with HRSDC to assist workers when an injury occurs. HRSDC can provide financial, vocational rehabilitation and other assistance/services to help injured workers return to work.
Canada Revenue Agency. The CRA accepts WCB payments via its own payments system, thereby allowing WCB clients to make their regular payments for both agencies at one time, to one location and in one cheque.
Nova Scotia Business Registry. WCB employers can register their companies online via the www.nsbr.ns.ca Web site. WCB Clearance Letters are also available online via the NSBR site 24/7, which is more convenient for employers.
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