To officially file a WorkplaceNL claim in Newfoundland and Labrador, you must immediately notify your employer and submit a Form 6 (Worker’s Report of Injury). You should also seek urgent medical care and have your doctor submit a Physician’s Report, with the basic provincial filing process costing $0 CAD.
Sustaining an injury on the job in Gander, Conception Bay South, or Labrador City can be a frightening experience. When an accident occurs, adrenaline often takes over, and many workers delay seeking help, hoping the pain will simply disappear. Unfortunately, delaying the reporting of a workplace accident is the most common reason legitimate claims are denied by the provincial compensation board.
To ensure your wages and medical bills are covered, you must follow the strict legal procedures outlined by WorkplaceNL. The system relies on three separate reports: one from you, one from your employer, and one from your doctor. This guide provides a clear, step-by-step plain English breakdown of exactly how to file your claim and protect your physical and financial health.
Step-by-Step Process for Filing a Claim in NL
Filing a claim is a collaborative process. While your employer has legal obligations, you must personally take charge of your own paperwork to ensure your file is opened quickly and accurately.
Step 1: Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Your health is always the absolute priority. If it is an emergency, go straight to the nearest hospital or local health clinic. When you speak to the doctor or triage nurse, you must clearly state that this is a workplace injury. The doctor is then legally required to complete a Physician’s Report and send it directly to WorkplaceNL. This medical documentation forms the foundation of your entire claim.
Step 2: Notify Your Employer Immediately
📝 You must report the accident to your supervisor, manager, or safety officer as soon as it happens, even if you do not think you are seriously hurt. Under provincial law, once you report the injury, your employer has exactly three days to file a Form 7 (Employer’s Report of Injury) with WorkplaceNL. Make sure you document exactly who you spoke to and the time of the conversation.
Step 3: Complete and Submit Form 6
You cannot simply rely on your employer to handle everything. You must personally fill out a Form 6 (Worker’s Report of Injury). You can complete this form online through the WorkplaceNL Connect portal, or fill out a paper copy. Be incredibly detailed about how the accident happened, what specific body parts were injured, and the names of any coworkers who witnessed the event.
Step 4: Engage in the Early and Safe Return to Work Program
Once your claim is filed, you will likely be assigned a case manager. By law, you are required to actively participate in the Early and Safe Return to Work (ESRTW) program. This means maintaining regular contact with your employer and your doctor to find safe, modified duties you can perform while you continue to heal.
How Much Does it Cost in Newfoundland and Labrador?
Applying for workplace compensation is a fundamental right, and there are no financial barriers to submitting your paperwork.
| Service Type | Estimated Cost (CAD) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Filing Form 6 | $0 | There are absolutely no provincial fees to submit your Worker’s Report of Injury. |
| Medical Reports | $0 | Your doctor bills WorkplaceNL directly for completing the mandatory Physician’s Report. |
| Private Lawyer (Optional) | $1,500 – $3,500+ | If your claim becomes highly complex, you may choose to hire a local law firm for representation. |
How Long Does the Process Take?
You have a strict statutory limit of 3 months from the date of the accident to file your Form 6 with WorkplaceNL, though filing within the first 48 hours is strongly recommended. Once WorkplaceNL receives all three required reports (yours, your employer’s, and your doctor’s), a standard, uncomplicated claim is generally processed, and a decision is mailed to you within 2 to 4 weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What if my employer asks me not to file a claim?
It is illegal for an employer in Newfoundland and Labrador to intimidate you, threaten you, or offer to pay your wages under the table to prevent you from reporting a workplace injury. You must always file your Form 6 to protect your future medical rights.
Do I still get paid for the day I was injured?
Yes. Under the law, your employer is legally responsible for paying your full regular wages for the entire day or shift on which the workplace accident occurred.
Am I covered if I am an independent contractor?
Generally, true independent contractors are not automatically covered under WorkplaceNL unless they have purchased optional Personal Coverage. However, if the CRA considers you an employee despite what your contract says, you may still be entitled to benefits.
What if the accident was totally my fault?
WorkplaceNL operates on a “no-fault” system. This means that even if your own clumsy mistake or momentary carelessness caused the injury, you are still generally entitled to compensation, provided you were performing work duties and not engaging in serious, wilful misconduct.
Can I use my own sick leave instead of filing a claim?
While you might be tempted to use your employer’s sick days, it is a bad idea. If your injury worsens down the road and requires surgery, you will have no official WorkplaceNL record of the accident, making it nearly impossible to get your medical costs covered later.
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