Operations at the WSIB and the WSIAT
April 3, 2020
Both the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) and the Workplace Safety and Insurance Appeals Tribunal (WSIAT) have modified their services in response to the COVID-19 crisis.
WSIB
The WSIB’s offices are closed and they are not accepting any mail or deliveries.
Their phone lines are open Monday to Friday 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., though they advise that there may be longer than normal wait times.
Online services are available including the ability to upload new claims. For information on the WSIB’s policy for adjudicating COVID-19 claims, see our blog post dedicated to this topic here.
We have been advised by phone that the WSIB is focusing on current Loss-of-Earnings claims and current Health Care Benefit claims. Appeals are being held in abeyance at this time.
If a worker receiving benefits’ office shuts down temporarily, the worker will continue to receive the same benefits as prior to the shutdown.
If workers are supposed to attend a claim-related appointment but either cannot attend or may be uncomfortable attending, they are asked to cancel the appointment directly with the applicable person or organization.
The latest information about the WSIB’s response is available on their website: https://www.wsib.ca/en.
WSIAT
The WSIAT has suspended all on-site services effective March 30, 2020 until April 14, 2020. The WSIAT will be operating at reduced levels during this time.
All in person hearing until April 17, 2020 have been cancelled.
Their offices are closed until further notice including the Ontario Workplace Tribunal Library and the WSIAT mail room. They ask that people not send mail, courier, or faxes to the Tribunal or attend at their offices at this time.
Individuals can make general inquiries about WSIAT operations by calling 416-314-8800 or 1-888-618-8846 or by emailing WSIATCallCentre@wst.gov.on.ca. They caution that for privacy reasons they will not respond to case-related emails and emails with case-related information will be deleted. They note that they will accept updated contact information including changes of address by email.
The latest information about the WSIAT’s response is available on their website: http://www.wsiat.on.ca/index.asp.
Practice Area
Pension and Benefits
