2024 Q2 Overview
WCB Nova Scotia providing new and improved service for new type of injury
Amendments extend benefit coverage, protect more Nova Scotians
WCB Nova Scotia has spent almost two years thoughtfully re-imagining service, as we begin supporting workers and employers impacted by gradual onset psychological injury (GPI).
By the end of WCB Nova Scotia’s second quarter, with much of the preparations complete or well in-hand, our organization was ready to support workers and employers with a new approach, when coverage expanded beginning September 1.
“In the last few months, we have spoken to thousands of workers and employers, both in person and virtually via webinars,” said Shelly Dauphinee, Chief Engagement Officer and GPI project sponsor. “We have sought out best practices, resources and tools from jurisdictions across the country who are known for their expertise in injury prevention and return-to-work experience and shared those through refreshed websites and conversations. We have put new vendor agreements in place to support this important work. We worked very hard to get ready.”
Our dedicated GPI team members who have undergone extensive trauma-informed training with a focus on worker-centric service are ready, too.
Their work will be supported by new vendors for mental health, investigation and mediation services to help facilitate claim decisions.
WCB Nova Scotia is using this new legislation as an opportunity to innovate, develop, and implement an improved service model. It will offer Nova Scotians more protection against a new type of injury, ensuring that people can work at physically and psychologically safe workplaces.
As we developed our services, we learned from partners across the country, where gradual onset injuries have long been compensable. Pictured here are (L-R): Karen Adams, CEO; Shelly Dauphinee, Chief Engagement Officer; Lynette Fenton, Director, Psychological Injury; Jonathan Sherman, Director, Prevention, WCB Saskatchewan; Andrea Vardy, Vice President, Return to Work; and Kim Keating, Manager, Return-to-Work Program Services, WCB Manitoba.