In New Brunswick, employers have exactly 3 days to report a workplace accident to WorkSafeNB using the Employer Report of Injury or Illness (Form 67). Failing to meet this strict deadline can result in administrative fines and legal complications.
Operating a successful business in New Brunswick means prioritizing the health and safety of your workforce. However, even with strict safety protocols, accidents can happen. Whether you manage a large manufacturing plant in Saint John, a retail store in Moncton, or a busy restaurant in Fredericton, you must be prepared to respond immediately.
When a worker gets hurt, the immediate stress often causes business owners to forget their legal administrative duties. 📝 Under the Workers’ Compensation Act, reporting an injury is not optional, and the province strictly enforces reporting timelines to ensure injured employees receive timely medical care and wage replacement. If you are unsure how to handle a complex injury claim or suspect fraudulent activity, consulting with a local labour and employment lawyer is a smart preventative measure.
Step-by-Step Process in New Brunswick
Filing an injury report correctly the first time prevents delays in the employee’s compensation and protects your business from compliance penalties. Generally, you should follow this standardized procedure the moment an incident occurs.
Step 1: Provide Immediate Medical Attention
Your absolute first priority is the worker’s physical health. If the injury is severe, call an ambulance or transport them to the nearest hospital or medical clinic. 🚑 You are legally required to cover the cost of transporting the injured worker to receive initial medical treatment on the day of the accident.
Step 2: The Worker Reports the Incident to You
The injured worker must report the accident to a manager or supervisor as soon as practically possible. You should document exactly when they told you, what they were doing, and who witnessed the event. This internal documentation is critical if there are discrepancies later regarding how the injury happened.
Step 3: Determine if the Injury is Reportable
Not every minor papercut needs to be reported to the government. You must file a report if the injury requires professional medical treatment beyond basic first aid, if it results in a loss of consciousness, or if the worker misses time from work beyond the day of the accident. 🔍
Step 4: Complete and Submit Form 67
If the incident meets the criteria, you must complete the Employer Report of Injury or Illness (Form 67). This form asks for detailed payroll information, the worker’s schedule, and a description of the accident. You must submit this form to WorkSafeNB within exactly 3 days of the date you were notified of the injury. The fastest method is using the secure online MyServices portal.
Step 5: Develop a Return-to-Work Plan
After reporting, your responsibilities do not end. New Brunswick law requires employers to cooperate in the worker’s safe return to the workplace. 🤝 You must communicate with the employee and WorkSafeNB to offer modified duties or flexible hours until they have fully recovered.
How Much Does it Cost in New Brunswick?
Submitting the actual injury report to the provincial board is an administrative process with no direct filing fees. However, failing to report on time carries steep financial consequences.
| Action or Penalty | Estimated Cost (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Filing Form 67 Online | $0 (Free) |
| Late Reporting Fine (First Offence) | $250 – $500 |
| Late Reporting Fine (Repeat Offence) | Up to $1,000+ |
| Initial Medical Transport Costs | Cost of Taxi or Ambulance ($50 – $150+) |
It is also important to note that a history of frequent severe accidents will negatively impact your company’s experience rating, which can cause your annual WorkSafeNB premiums to skyrocket. 💸
How Long Does the Process Take?
The legal deadline is inflexible: you have exactly 3 days from the moment you learn of the reportable injury to submit Form 67. Once submitted, WorkSafeNB generally assigns a case manager and begins processing the claim within 5 to 10 business days, during which time they may contact you for further clarification regarding the worker’s typical wages.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What happens if the worker delays telling me about the injury?
The 3-day countdown begins from the exact moment the employer (or a supervisor) is made aware of the injury, not necessarily the moment the injury actually occurred. Always document the date and time you were notified.
Can I just pay the worker their full wages to avoid reporting?
No. Paying a worker directly out of pocket to cover up a workplace injury is illegal in New Brunswick. Doing so violates the Workers’ Compensation Act and can lead to severe fines and legal action.
Do I have to pay the worker for the day they got hurt?
Yes. The employer is legally obligated to pay the injured worker their full regular wages and benefits for the entire day on which the accident occurred, regardless of what time they left to seek medical help.
What if I disagree with the worker’s version of the accident?
You must still submit the Form 67 within the 3-day limit. However, you can attach a formal letter outlining your concerns, witness statements, or reasons why you believe the claim is not valid or work-related.
Do I need to report ‘near-miss’ incidents?
A near-miss (where no one was hurt but a serious accident almost happened) does not require a Form 67 submission to WorkSafeNB. However, you must document it internally and investigate it according to provincial Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) regulations.
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