Module 5: Work-Related Musculo-Skeletal Disorders - Clinical and Compensation Aspects (Continued)

REPORTING:

Reporting to the Compensation Commissioner:

• W. Cl. 1: Employer’s Report of an Occupational Disease.

• W. Cl. 14: Notice of an Occupational Disease and Claim for Compensation.
• W. Cl. 110: Occupational Exposure.
• W. Cl. 301: First Medical Report in respect of a Work-Related Upper Limb Disorder (WRULD) (Note that W. Cl. 301 must be used instead of the usual W. Cl. 22).
• All other reports that may be relevant.
• W. Cl. 6: Monthly Resumption Report.
• W. Cl. 302: Progress/Final Medical Report in respect of a Work-Related Upper Limb Disorder (WRULD) - Progress medical reports - monthly (Note that W. Cl. 302 must be used instead of the usual W. Cl. 26).

Evaluation of Impairment:

• Description of residual impairment by the treating doctor (W. Cl. 302).
• Most employees will recover and return to work.
• Only a small percentage will suffer any permanent residual impairment.

Permanent impairment will be assessed after:

• Medical treatment.
• Vocational rehabilitation, which includes optimising the person’s functional ability through rehabilitation that includes work hardening, work conditioning, etc.
• Addressing problem areas identified in the job analysis / ergonomic assessment by allowing alterations in the way in which work is performed through reasonable accommodation:
  • workplace environment adaptation;
  • tool and equipment adaptation;
  • workstation redesign;
  • job task modification;
  • retraining and reassignment;
  • work schedule modifications.

Reporting to Labour / DME:

Immediately:

A copy of the notification of a WRULD to the Compensation Commissioner should be sent simultaneously to the

1. Provincial Executive Manager of Labour (OHS Act) or
2. the Regional Principal Inspector of Mines (Mines Health and Safety Act).

Within 3 months after making a definitive diagnosis of a WRULD:

The employer will submit an ergonomic report and a consequent plan of action.

Within 6 months after making a definitive diagnosis of a WRULD:

The employer will submit a report containing:

• A review on the progress made regarding the implementation of the ergonomic plan of action.
• The progress made with the health risk assessment and medical surveillance.
• The negotiated policy on the prevention of WRULDs.