Your Rights and Responsibilities

You have rights and responsibilities—at work and during a WCB claim. This page explains your safety rights under Nova Scotia’s Occupational Health and Safety Act and your role in keeping the workplace safe. It also outlines your rights in the claims process and the responsibilities that support an early and safe return to work.

Your safety rights and responsibilities

As a worker, you have a legal right to a safe and healthy workplace—and a responsibility to help keep it that way.

Right to be safe

Every worker in Nova Scotia has key rights under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (PDF).

• The right to know about workplace hazards and how to protect yourself and others
• The right to participate in keeping the workplace safe
• The right to refuse unsafe work without fear of retaliation
• The right to work in a psychologically safe workplace

Your role in safety (responsibilities)

Workplace safety is a shared responsibility. This idea is known as the Internal Responsibility System (IRS). It means everyone—workers, supervisors, employers, and safety reps—has a role to play in creating a safe workplace.

Your safety responsibilities include:

• Do everything reasonably possible to protect your own health and safety
• Look out for the safety of your co-workers
• Report hazards or unsafe conditions to a supervisor
• Use required safety equipment and follow safety procedures
• Cooperate with your employer and safety representatives
• Follow the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations

Your rights during the claim process

If you're hurt at work, you have the right to support, information, and a role in your recovery. You also have responsibilities—like staying in touch with WCB and your employer—to help ensure an early and safe return to work.

Right to report an injury

You have the right to report any injury or illness caused by your work. Your employer is also required to report it to WCB.

Right to apply for benefits

If you have been injured at work, you have the right to apply for workers’ compensation benefits. This can include return-to-work support, coverage for health care costs, and income loss payments. Learn how the claims process works.

Right to not be disciplined or discriminated against

No employer shall discipline or discriminate against a worker who reports an injury, makes a claim, or received workers' compensation benefits for a workplace injury.

Right to participate in your return-to-work planning

You have the right to be part of your return-to-work planning process.

Right to information

When you have questions, WCB is here to help. You can talk to your case worker, or call our main information line to ask questions about the process. You have the right to access your claim file at any time during the claim process.

Right to appeal a decision

If you disagree with a decision about your claim, you can ask for it to be reviewed. Appeals must be filed within 30 days of the written decision. If your employer appeals a decision on your claim, you have a right to be informed and to participate in the appeal process.

Right to privacy

WCB places the highest importance on protecting your sensitive personal information during the claim process—and at all other times. You have the right to raise a privacy complaint if you believe your personal information was collected, used, or shared in a way that feels inappropriate.

Your responsibilities during the claims process

If you're injured at work, you play an essential role in your recovery and return to work. Nova Scotia’s Duty to Cooperate law outlines specific responsibilities for workers, employers, and WCB. This ensures that all parties work together to support an early and safe return to work.

After a workplace injury

As a worker, you are required to:

• Report the injury to your employer as soon as possible
• Participate actively in planning your return to work
• Help identify safe, suitable duties you can do during recovery at work
• Stay in contact with your employer and WCB throughout your recovery
• Share any medical or functional information that helps support your return to work
• Provide any other information WCB requests related to your claim

These responsibilities apply whether you're recovering at home, off work long-term, or gradually returning to modified duties.

During your claim

You are also expected to:

• Participate in any approved return-to-work or recovery plans
• Attend medical appointments, assessments, or rehabilitation programs
• Respond promptly to communication from WCB or your employer
• Keep WCB informed about changes in your condition or work status

Questions or concerns?

We’re here to help. If you have questions about your rights or responsibilities, contact us.