Under Ontario WSIB policies, if your prescription glasses, dentures, or hearing aids are damaged in a workplace accident, WSIB will pay to repair or replace them, even if you suffered no physical bodily injury. You must report the incident immediately and file a claim to have the replacement costs (often $300 to $800 CAD) fully reimbursed.
Understanding WSIB Property Damage Policies in Ontario
Imagine you are working on a construction site in Brampton, or handling materials in a warehouse in Mississauga. A rogue piece of debris flies up, strikes your face, and shatters your prescription glasses. Fortunately, you don’t have a single scratch on your skin. Many workers assume that because they were not physically injured, the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) will not help them, leaving them to pay hundreds of dollars out of pocket.
This is a costly misconception. 📍 The Ontario Workplace Safety and Insurance Act contains specific provisions for “damage to artificial appliances.” According to WSIB policy, items like prescription eyewear, artificial limbs, dentures, and hearing aids are considered extensions of your body. If they are broken during an accidental workplace event, WSIB is legally obligated to cover the cost of repairing or replacing them to their pre-accident condition.
Step-by-Step Process to Claim Broken Glasses
Because there is no physical injury (meaning no hospital visit or doctor’s note), the process for claiming damaged property is slightly different than a standard WSIB physical injury claim.
Step 1: Report the Incident Immediately
Do not wait until the end of your shift, and definitely do not go home first. 📞 Report the accident to your supervisor immediately. Even though you are not bleeding, a workplace accident occurred. Your employer must record the incident. Immediate reporting prevents the employer or WSIB from claiming you broke the glasses at home over the weekend.
Step 2: Preserve the Evidence
Do not throw the broken glasses in the garbage. Keep the shattered lenses or bent frames. WSIB adjudicators may request photographic evidence or ask you to present the damaged items to prove the accident actually happened as described.
Step 3: Get a Replacement Quote from an Optometrist
Visit your local Ontario optometrist or eyewear dispensary. Ask them for a written quote to repair the frames or replace the glasses with a pair of equivalent quality. Make sure the quote clearly states your prescription details and the breakdown of costs for frames and lenses.
Step 4: File the WSIB Form 6
Complete a Worker’s Report of Injury/Disease (Form 6). In the injury description, explicitly state: “No physical injury sustained; claiming property damage for broken prescription glasses under WSIB artificial appliance policy.” Your employer will also submit a Form 7 confirming the incident.
Comparing WSIB Coverage for Personal Items
| Item Damaged | Will WSIB Pay to Replace It? | Condition for Approval |
|---|---|---|
| Prescription Glasses | Yes – Fully covered up to standard limits. | Must be broken in a specific workplace accident. |
| Dentures / Hearing Aids | Yes – Classified as artificial appliances. | Must be damaged during the course of employment. |
| Designer Sunglasses (Non-Prescription) | No – Personal property is not covered. | WSIB does not cover clothing, jewelry, or non-medical items. |
How Much Does WSIB Actually Pay?
WSIB aims to restore you to the exact position you were in before the accident. They will not upgrade you, but they will not leave you out of pocket for a standard replacement. 💰
- Standard Replacement: WSIB generally reimburses the actual cost of a comparable replacement pair. In Ontario, this typically ranges from $300 to $800 CAD depending on your prescription (e.g., bifocals or high-index lenses).
- Comparable Replacement Value: Under the WSIB Operational Policy Manual (OPM Document No. 17-07-01), the reimbursement for frames is based on the replacement value of your existing eyewear rather than a fixed limit like $150.00 CAD [1]. WSIB will cover the cost of repairing or replacing your frames with a pair of equivalent quality to what you had before the accident [1]. If you owned an expensive pair of frames, WSIB will pay to replace them in kind [1], but any cost above the value of your existing eyewear (such as a designer upgrade) is your responsibility [1].
- Eye Exams: If your prescription is old and the optometrist requires a new eye exam before making the glasses, WSIB will usually cover the cost of the exam (approximately $100 to $150 CAD).
How Long Does the Process Take?
Property damage claims with no physical injury are among the fastest claims WSIB processes. ⏱ Assuming your employer agrees that the accident happened at work and files their Form 7 promptly, WSIB can approve a claim for broken glasses and issue the reimbursement cheque in just 2 to 4 weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What if I just dropped my glasses accidentally?
If you simply took off your glasses to wipe them and dropped them on the floor, WSIB may deny the claim, viewing it as personal clumsiness rather than a workplace hazard. The damage must be the result of a specific “workplace incident” (like a box falling on you or a tool striking your face).
Do I have to take time off work to claim broken glasses?
No. You can file a “no lost time” claim. This means you are claiming solely for the healthcare/property damage cost without requesting any Loss of Earnings (LOE) benefits, which makes the approval process much faster.
Does WSIB cover broken safety glasses?
If they are prescription safety glasses, WSIB treats them like regular prescription glasses and will cover them. If they are standard non-prescription safety goggles provided by your employer, your employer is responsible for simply handing you a new pair from the supply closet.
Will WSIB cover my damaged contact lenses?
Yes, prescription contact lenses fall under the same medical appliance policy. If a chemical splash or dust cloud ruins your contacts at work, WSIB will reimburse you for the cost of the damaged pair.
Leave a Reply