Workers' Compensation Board
The Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) provides workplace injury insurance for more than 18,000 employers, representing about 300,000 workers across the province.
See Workers' Compensation Act and associated regulations.
| Requirement | Act / Regulations |
|---|---|
| Requirement to register with the WCB Every business or undertaking is excluded from the application of the Act until at least three workers are at the same time employed in the business or undertaking. Important Note: WCB Coverage is mandatory for all types of construction, if they fall within scope above (3 or more workers). For Scope of coverage and exclusion of class of employers, see Section 15 (Subject to Sections 16 to 18) |
Section 15 Workers' Compensation General Regulations |
| Definition of “worker” | Section 17 and 18 Workers' Compensation General Regulations |
| Definition of “worker” includes sub-contractors | Section 2(ae) of Workers Compensation Act |
| Posting Requirements: “34 Every employer shall post and keep posted in conspicuous places within easy access of the employer's workers
|
Section 34 Workers' Compensation General Regulations |
| Report all injuries or illnesses that require medical attention and/or where there is time lost as a result of a workplace injury. Injury Report More Information |
Sections 86 and 207 Workers’ Compensation Act |
| Requirement to report assessable payroll, to remit assessments, and to report to the WCB and to Canada Customs and Revenue Agency | Section 35 Workers' Compensation General Regulations |
Penalties for:
|
Section 36 through 39 Workers' Compensation General Regulations |
| All Regulations under the Workers' Compensation Act apply to all industries registered with the WCB and to all claims. | Regulations under the Workers' Compensation Act |
More Information
- Workers' Compensation Board (WCB)
Coverage, injury prevention, and more - Employer Information Guide (PDF)
- Sub-Contractors - including them in Payroll Calculation : Page 33 of Employer Information Guide (PDF)
- My Account
Your online access to all WCB information, including online clearance letters, updates to your account, injury prevention, and more. Why call when you can click? - So Many Ways
An online environment targeted to younger workers in Nova Scotia. - Work Safe. For Life.
Online resource for injury prevention awareness. Advertising, brochures and more. - Health and Safety 101
Online course for young workers. Learn the basics of occupational health and safety. - Preventing Workplace Injuries: Getting Started
Online version of this popular workshop, covering the basics of getting an occupational health and safety program up and running. - Clearance Letters
- NS Business Registry to Register with the Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) and Obtain a WCB Clearance Letter
NS Business Registry
- Certificate of Recognition (COR)
A certificate issued jointly by WCBNS and 6 approved audit providers. WCBNS manages the Certificate of Recognition program and approves the audit protocol and audit providers.- Some employers (tendering companies) require potential suppliers to have a COR from an approved audit service provider before being eligible to bid on contracts. Not all tendering companies require a COR prior to accepting bids and some may have their own list of “approved” audit service providers. Please check with the tendering company before submitting a bid that includes a COR from a subcontractor.
- NS Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal (NSTIR) has the CoR as a prerequisite for contracting to the government which impacts any contractor or service provider seeking government contracts or construction projects.
- Statement of Contract Payments : T5018 Form : Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) form for construction industry
- Nova Scotia Construction Safety Association (NSCSA)