March 2025 Updates

UPDATES: March 2025

A strong workplace safety program includes return-to-work planning

We need Nova Scotians working.

Keeping workers connected to the job as they recover from a workplace injury is a proven way to ensure better outcomes, sooner.

Employers, health service providers, WCB case workers and workers themselves all have a role to play. Find tools and tips on our website to set you and your workers up for success.

WCB is working with employers like Mersey Seafoods Limited to support better return-to-work outcomes. Behind WCB CEO Karen Adams (foreground) is (l-r) Manager, Health and Safety Matthew Duffy, VP, Growth and Strategy Jedd Wood, VP, People and Culture Dena Hueston, WCB VP, Prevention and Employer Engagement Tracey Newman, President Michael Murphy, and WCB Business Partner Chris Mann.

Duty to Cooperate policy consultation webinars

Join an upcoming webinar to learn more about the Duty to Cooperate legislation that takes effect on July 15, bringing new accountabilities for employers and workers in the return-to-work process.

Register for a daytime or evening session. We’re presenting the same content in both sessions:

If you have feedback on the policy and cannot attend a webinar, submit your feedback anytime by April 28, 2025.

Prevent and manage sprains and strains

Sprains and strains are the most common workplace injuries in Nova Scotia, accounting for about 60% of all injury types annually that result in lost time from work.

Taking steps to prevent injury is key. When they do occur, providing accommodations to ensure your employee stays connected to the workplace is also critical to their safe and timely recovery, as well as keeping your workers' compensation costs to a minimum.

Learn more about preventing and managing sprains and strains in your workplace.

Protecting the workforce, together

Earlier this month, WCB CEO Karen Adams headlined a Halifax Chamber of Commerce luncheon to discuss how we are improving our service and protecting the workforce of tomorrow through better accountability as we enter the second year of our Protect More Strategic Plan.

Karen spoke about one employer who brought back 16 workers with our help – including two who had been off for over a year. That’s 16 more people contributing to our workforce and gaining the benefits of being connected to work.

“When we recognize that we all want the same thing, and we work together, we will be successful,” shares Karen. “We are working hard, every day, to be different.”

Watch Karen’s speech.

Spotlight: Psychological health and safety resource centre

Working with WCB Saskatchewan, we built a world-class prevention resource for psychological health and safety, and promoted it directly to all workplaces we cover.

In 2024, we held monthly webinars to help employers create psychologically safe workplaces – thousands of employers tuned in.

How safe is your workplace? Not sure where to start?

Check out the Psychological Health and Safety Resource Centre for practical resources.

What's new:

WCB's Recent Op-ed: Workers' compensation: A spotlight on a clear path for change.
New RFP for Health Providers: We've released a new Request for Proposal for Work-Connected Recovery Services & RTW for Physical and Psychological Injury.
Tip Line: We're taking action to protect the system's resources for those who need it most. If you are aware of suspected fraud or non-compliance, we would like to hear from you.
Proud Presenting Partner: WCB Nova Scotia is proud to be a presenting partner at this year's annual Workplace Health & Safety Conference, March 26 - 28. We hope to see you there!