Policy
Entitlement is in order for any reaction from compulsory immunization procedures.
After a work accident, entitlement is in order for a single dose of tetanus human antisera for persons without prior immunization, or a booster dose of tetanus toxoid for persons with prior immunization.
The immunization must be for the prevention of a disease or infection that is work related.
Guidelines
Entitlement
As the primary disability
Entitlement will be awarded for any adverse reaction arising from compulsory immunization procedures as a pre-employment requirement, or as a compulsory part of the employment, providing the immunization is for the prevention of work related disease or infection.
See 15-02-01, Definition of Accident and 15-02-02, Accident in the Course of Employment or further details.
As treatment for a work-related injury
After a work accident occurs the worker may receive prophylactic immunization to prevent tetanus. Entitlement consists of
- a single dose of tetanus human antisera for persons without prior immunization, or
- a booster dose of tetanus toxoid for workers with prior immunization.
The second and third doses of tetanus are also allowed when administered if there is
- a foreign metallic body (excluding surgical metallic foreign bodies) embedded in soft tissues and which is not removed, or
- a compound fracture which is considered to be potentially contaminated.
Refer to 17-02-02, Entitlement to Health Care.
Arising from treatment for a work-related Injury
Adverse reactions to any immunization entitled as above are compensable.
See 15-05-01, Resulting from Work-related Disability and 15-05-02, Accidents Resulting from Treatment.
Immunization in cases of exposure
Awards will be made for medication or injections administered to workers who, due to the nature of their occupation, are exposed to infectious disease.
Entitlement may involve lost time due to necessary isolation, or complications arising from such treatment.
Application date
This policy applies to all accidents.
Document history
This document replaces 04-02-03.
References
Legislative authority
Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997, as amended
Sections 2(1), 15(1), 15(2)
Minute
Board of Directors
#8(VII), June 10, 2004, Page 6618