WCB Policy

Clear rules. Fair decisions. Safer workplaces.

WCB policies are rules that guide how the WCB makes decisions. WCB Policy works together with the Workers’ Compensation Act. These policies must follow what the Act says, and help us decide who gets coverage and what benefits they receive.

We use policies to:

• Show what decisions we're allowed to make under the law
• Explain what the law or regulations require
• Give clear instructions so we make decisions the same way

The policies that the WCB's Board approves must be followed by the WCB. The Workers' Compensation Appeals Tribunal (WCAT) must also follow these policies, unless WCAT decides a policy goes against the Workers' Compensation Act.

How policies are made

WCB policies are made by the Board of Directors. The Board includes people who represent workers and employers. Together, they work to make the rules (policies) as fair as possible.

Board Policy 10.3.11 outlines the guiding principles for the development of a new policy —or updates to an existing one. This is supported by the WCB Policy Framework (PDF).

When the Board approves a policy, it becomes a new rule that guides how the WCB makes decisions.

View policy documents

You are welcome to learn more about WCB policies, including the very latest policy addition, called Return to Work and Duty to Cooperate. You can also view the entire WCB Policy Manual, the guide that explains the rules (policies) the WCB follows to make decisions.

WCB policy manual (PDF)

Return to Work and Duty to Cooperate Policy (PDF)

Policy Development Policy (PDF)

Psychological Injury Policy (PDF)

We welcome your input

While WCB welcomes feedback at anytime, we conduct a formal policy consultation session when the Board of Directors decides one is needed. The WCB has completed consultations on how we handle all sorts of policies, including rate setting, psychological injury and chronic pain. You are welcome to take part.

Recent consultations include:

• 2025 Policy Background Paper: Return to Work and Duty to Cooperate (PDF)
• 2025 Policy Background Paper: Policy Development Policy (PDF)
• Background Paper Policy Manual Updates (PDF)

Determining Accident Date

• Discussion Paper - Determining Accident Date
• Issues Identification Paper - Setting Effective Dates

Psychological Injury Policy: Significant Work-related Stressor

• Supplemental Information: WCB Nova Scotia Psychological Injury Policy
• Work-related Mental Stress Policy Background Paper
• Psychological Injury Policy: Final Policy Decision and Supporting Rationale

Current consultations

Please check back here for the next consultation. There are no consultations taking place at this time.

Questions or comments?

If you have any questions or comments about WCB policies or would like general information about the WCB, please contact us.

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