WCB Nova Scotia Info Session on Duty to Cooperate Draft Policy

Summary:

  • Explains the upcoming Duty to Cooperate Policy, effective July 15, 2025, outlining shared responsibilities among workers, employers, and WCB for early and safe return to work.
  • Reviews three proposed policies:
  1. Return to Work Overview (Policy 571) – introduces key concepts and the return-to-work process.
  2. Roles and Responsibilities (Policy 572) – defines expectations for workers, employers, unions, health care providers, and WCB.
  3. Plans and Functional Abilities – guides how suitable work is determined and managed.
  • Emphasizes collaboration, communication, and accommodation in the return-to-work process, with compliance measures only as a last resort.
  • Outlines next steps: additional webinars on March 27 and April 3, feedback open until April 28, 2025, and final policy approval targeted for May 2025.
  • Encourages workplaces to begin preparing through awareness, planning, and role clarification.

Intended Audience:

  • Employers, HR and safety professionals, workers, unions, health care providers, and WCB staff involved in return-to-work and policy implementation.

Who it's for:

  • Employers, HR and safety professionals, workers, unions, health care providers

What you'll learn:

  • About the new Duty to Cooperate Policy and the shared responsibilities of workers, employers, and WCB
  • Reviews 3 proposed policies:
  1. Return to Work Overview (Policy 571) – introduces key concepts and the return-to-work process
  2. Roles and Responsibilities (Policy 572) – defines expectations for workers, employers, unions, health care providers, and WCB
  3. Plans and Functional Abilities – guides how to determine and manage suitable work
  • How workplaces can begin preparing through awareness, planning, and role clarification