In Ontario, employers must pay your full wages for the day the workplace injury occurs. However, for follow-up medical appointments during scheduled shifts, employers are not legally required to pay your wages. You must try to schedule appointments outside of working hours, or you can apply to the WSIB for lost time and travel expenses.
When you are recovering from a workplace injury in Ontario, attending medical appointments is a mandatory part of your healing process. You may need regular physiotherapy sessions in London, specialist check-ups in Toronto, or routine follow-ups with your family doctor in Sudbury. Balancing these crucial appointments with your Return to Work (RTW) schedule can be highly stressful.
A very common source of friction between injured workers and their employers is the question of lost wages for missed shifts. Many workers assume their employer will simply cover their hourly rate while they attend a WSIB-mandated physiotherapy session. Understanding the actual rules set out by the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) will help you avoid unexpected pay deductions. If your employer is acting punitively regarding your medical needs, finding a local employment and WSIB lawyer in our directory is a wise step. 💼
Step-by-Step Guide to Managing Medical Appointments on WSIB
Under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act (WSIA), workers have a duty to mitigate their wage loss and cooperate in their recovery. This means you have specific obligations regarding how and when you book your health care appointments. Following the steps below will ensure your claim remains in good standing.
Step 1: Attempt to Schedule Outside of Working Hours
The WSIB policy explicitly states that workers must make every reasonable effort to schedule medical, physiotherapy, and specialist appointments outside of their regular working hours. If you work a standard 9-to-5 shift, look for clinics in Ontario that offer evening or weekend hours. Showing the WSIB that you have tried to minimize disruptions to your workday is heavily favoured by case managers. 📅
Step 2: Request Accommodation from Your Employer
If an appointment simply cannot be scheduled outside of work hours (for instance, a specialized MRI or a surgeon who only operates clinics on Tuesday mornings), you must notify your employer as soon as possible. While the employer does not have to pay your wages for this missed time, many accommodating employers will allow you to make up the missed hours later in the week to avoid a short paycheque.
Step 3: Seek WSIB Pre-Approval for Lost Wages
If you lose wages because of an unavoidable medical appointment, you may be entitled to a partial Loss of Earnings (LOE) benefit from the WSIB for those specific hours. However, the WSIB generally requires you to notify them in advance and provide proof that the appointment could not be booked outside of working hours. Your case manager will evaluate if the wage loss is directly attributable to the injury. 💲
Step 4: Submit Expense Forms for Travel and Health Care
Even if you do not get paid your hourly wage for the appointment, you are entitled to have your travel expenses reimbursed. You must fill out the Worker’s Travel Expense form. Keep a meticulous log of your kilometres driven, transit receipts, and hospital parking passes. WSIB covers reasonable travel costs to the closest appropriate healthcare provider in your region.
What Expenses Does WSIB Cover for Medical Appointments?
While you may lose a few hours of wages, the WSIB offers robust coverage for the out-of-pocket costs associated with seeking medical treatment in Ontario. Below is a breakdown of standard claimable expenses.
| Expense Type | General WSIB Rules in Ontario | Current Approximate Rates (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| Day of Injury Wages | Employer must pay full wages and benefits for the entire day the injury occurred, even if you left early. | 100% of your regular daily wage. |
| Mileage / Travel | Reimbursed if driving a personal vehicle to health care appointments. Must use the most direct route. | Generally ranges around $0.40 to $0.45 per kilometre. |
| Public Transit / Taxis | Buses and subways are covered with receipts. Taxis/Uber require prior WSIB approval. | Full reimbursement with valid receipts. |
| Parking Costs | Hospital or clinic parking fees are covered. | Full reimbursement with valid receipts. |
How Long Does It Take to Get Reimbursed?
Managing your cash flow while recovering is vital. Here are the typical timelines you can expect when dealing with WSIB expense processing.
- Travel Expense Submission: You must submit your travel expense forms within 6 months of the appointment date. It is best to submit them monthly.
- Reimbursement Timeline: Once submitted online or by mail, WSIB generally processes and direct deposits travel expenses within 2 to 4 weeks.
- Wage Loss Processing: If approved for a partial LOE payout due to a missed shift for a specialist appointment, it will typically appear on your next regular bi-weekly WSIB benefit cheque.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can my employer fire me for missing work to attend WSIB physiotherapy?
No. Under the WSIA, employers are prohibited from penalizing or terminating a worker simply for pursuing their WSIB claim and attending necessary medical treatments. This would be considered illegal reprisal. However, you must provide reasonable notice to your employer before missing a shift.
Do I need to show my employer my medical records for the appointment?
No. Your employer is only entitled to know your functional abilities and restrictions (via the Functional Abilities Form). They are not entitled to your private medical diagnosis or detailed treatment notes from your appointments.
Will WSIB pay for an Uber to my appointment if I am in too much pain to drive?
It is possible, but you must get pre-approval from your WSIB case manager. Usually, WSIB expects you to use public transit or a personal vehicle unless your medical restrictions specifically state you require private transport like a taxi or an Uber.
What if my employer insists I go to their company doctor during work hours?
In Ontario, you have the right to choose your own treating healthcare provider. While an employer can ask you to see their company doctor, they cannot force you to do so, nor can they delay submitting a Form 7 until you do.
Is my employer legally required to pay me for the day I got hurt?
Yes! The WSIA strictly mandates that your employer must pay your full, regular wages and benefits for the day or shift on which the workplace injury occurred. WSIB LOE benefits only start on the day following the injury.
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