HALIFAX, NS – WCB Nova Scotia’s Board of Directors has approved a suite of policies that will provide guidance on how Duty to Cooperate will be supported when it takes effect July 15.
The Return to Work and Duty to Cooperate Policy sets out guiding principles that will help WCB support workers and employers to know their role and responsibilities in early and safe return-to-work.
The consultation period took place between February to April 2025 and included written submissions and a series of webinars where WCB engaged directly with employers and safety partners on the draft policy.
Amendments to the Workers’ Compensation Act in the fall of 2024 resulted in the addition of “duty to cooperate” – empowering WCB to hold both workers and employers accountable in helping people back to work quicker after an injury.
Employers and workers will be required to work together to get people back on the job. That means staying in touch throughout the process and offering suitable duties when the employee returns to the workplace. Not complying with these requirements could result in penalties for the employer and/or worker.
“Getting people back to work faster starts with helping employers and workers understand their part in the process,” says CEO Karen Adams. “We’re in this together—and today is another step toward working as a team to return more people to meaningful work in a safe and timely manner.”
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