Returning to work

We’re here to help you.

We’re here to help you recover and get back to work after a workplace injury or illness. With our help, 9 out of 10 people injured on the job return to work within 12 months.

Our return-to-work services

After a workplace injury or illness, we’ll work with you to build a customized return-to-work plan. Our goal is to get you back to safe and suitable work and help you resume your normal routine.

We are here to support you throughout the return-to-work process. This may include:

  • working with you and your employer to set return-to-work and recovery goals and planning activities
  • collaborating with your health care provider, if needed, to provide advice and interventions to help address obstacles that may delay your recovery and/or return to work
  • educating you and your employer on the return-to-work process, as well as your rights and obligations
  • helping you and your employer develop a plan for your return to your pre-injury job, with or without modifications and/or accommodations
  • following up with you and your employer once your return-to-work plan is in place to address any issues that may arise

For more details on how we help you return to suitable and sustainable work, you can see our return-to-work policies and return-to-work and disability resources.

Our return-to-work roles

When we all actively work together, we can successfully plan for a safe and practical re-turn to work. This involves listening to each other’s ideas and concerns and finding solutions together.

When you are returning to work after an injury or illness, several employees from the WSIB will work with you to support your successful return. We make sure you get the right help at the right time.

Case manager

  • Decides if you are eligible for benefits after you submit a claim
  • Shares information with you and your employer about your abilities and any precautions, to help with your return to work
  • Works with you, your employer, and your health care provider to set goals for your recovery and return to work
  • Plans and organizes activities to help you return to work
  • May arrange for a return-to-work specialist to support your return if needed
  • Keeps you and your employer informed about what is happening, who is responsible, and what to expect

Nurse consultant

  • Gives you medical advice and guidance to help overcome any health challenges that may delay your recovery to return to work

Return-to-work specialist

  • Gives you and your employer information about the return-to-work process, your rights, and your responsibilities
  • Facilitates meetings with you and your employer at your workplace to identify potential risks, opportunities, modifications andr accommodations
  • Identifies and helps solve any problems that are making it hard for you to return to work
  • Helps you and your employer create a plan for you to return to your job, with or without accommodations
  • Offers expert advice, vocational rehabilitation planning and support if you need to move to a different job with your employer or find a new job

We are here to help you every step of the way.