The Altered Lives Project tells the stories of our Members who have been affected by workplace injuries and violence.
Please read the stories. If you have a story to share, or know someone else who might want to share their story, please contact the Workers' Compensation Department by email or call them at 1-800-267-1977.
Each story and experience is different, but the common theme found in the #alteredlivesproject is that injury prevention is a responsibility shared by workers, employers, co-workers, unions and the community.
Workers and activists commemorate the National Day of Mourning on April 28 each year.
We remember our co-workers, family & friends who have lost their lives due to a work-related injury or illness. Please report any hazards or unsafe working conditions at work to your workplace Steward, Health & Safety Rep, or Union Rep.
Check back near the beginning of next April for a link to events.
You can also download a poster for your workplace.
Each year on June 1, we mark Injured Workers' Day.
Across the country, Unions, injured workers and other activists rally to help bring awareness to injured workers and the struggles they face in getting fair compensation for their injuries and illnesses.
Annual events include overnight vigils, rallies, marches, guest speakers, and panel discussions.
Join us and help us stand up for the rights of Injured Workers!
For more information contact the UFCW Locals 175 & 633 Workers’ Compensation Department at workerscomp@ufcw175.com or at 1-800-267-1977.
Appeals
If you disagree with a decision in your workplace insurance claim, you can ask a different decision-maker to review the decision and decide whether it is correct. This review process is called an appeal.
There are two separate organizations that make decisions and decide appeals in workplace insurance claims. They are:
- the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB)
- the Workplace Safety and Insurance Appeals Tribunal (WSIAT)
If you disagree with a decision in your claim, you must first appeal it within the WSIB to an internal branch called the Appeals Services Division (ASD). If you disagree with the decision made by the WSIB Appeals Services Division, you can appeal that decision to the WSIAT.
The Workers’ Compensation Department helps our unionized workers and their survivors with the appeals process and provides representation services at both the WSIB and the WSIAT. The Workers’ Compensation Department can also help identify appropriate appeal forms and provide advice about meeting time limits.
Overview of the Appeals Process
The chart below is a basic overview of the workplace insurance appeals process:
WSIB Operating Level
The Operating Level includes the front-line decision-makers at the WSIB. The initial decisions in a claim are usually made by WSIB staff at this level, including Eligibility Adjudicators, Case Managers, Return to Work Specialists and Work Transition Specialists. If you disagree with a decision of the Operating Level, you can appeal it to the WSIB’s Appeals Services Division.
WSIB Appeals Services Division
Decisions of the Appeals Services Division are usually made by Appeals Resolution Officers (ARO). The appeal process includes either a written or an oral hearing. After the ARO has reviewed the file material and considered any submissions, he or she will prepare a written decision explaining the result of the appeal. An ARO decision is generally considered the final decision of the WSIB.