Legislation
Workers' Compensation Act
The Workers’ Compensation Act is the law that governs workers’ compensation in Nova Scotia. It sets the rules WCB Nova Scotia must follow—along with related regulations and policies—for:
- Preventing workplace injuries
- Helping workers return to work after injury
- Managing workplace injury insurance, including the rates employers pay
- The compensation workers should receive such as medical and income supports
The rules and regulations made under the Act give specific details for how the law must be followed.
Legislation and Regulations for the Workers’ Compensation Act
- Workers' Compensation Act (PDF) (Updated 2025)
- Workers' Compensation General Regulations (includes list of mandatory industries)
- Chronic Pain Regulations
- Firefighters' Compensation Regulations (2003)
Occupational Health and Safety Act
Workers’ compensation law works together with the Occupational Health and Safety Act, which focuses on workplace health and safety standards. The Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration manages workplace safety standards through their Occupational Health and Safety Division.
Essentially, one law focuses on workplace insurance in Nova Scotia and what happens after someone gets hurt at work (workers' compensation), while the other focuses on preventing injuries from happening in the first place (workplace safety).
Legislation and Regulations for the OH&S Act
WCB Policy
WCB Policy works together with the Workers’ Compensation Act. These policies must follow what the Act says and help ensure that decisions are made fairly and consistently.
Learn more about WCB Nova Scotia policies.