Hurt at work? You have rights — and a deadline.
Most Ontario workers are covered by WSIB. You can get benefits, you can't be fired for filing, and you can appeal a 'no.' But report it fast — you generally have six months. Here's what to do.
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In 30 seconds, here's what's true
- Most Ontario workers are covered by WSIB. It's a no-fault system — you generally can't sue your employer, but you can claim benefits no matter whose fault the injury was.
- You generally have six months from the injury (or from when an illness is diagnosed) to file your claim. Reporting late is one of the most common reasons claims get denied.
- Report the injury to your employer right away and get medical treatment. Your employer must report it to WSIB within three days.
- If you can't work, WSIB pays loss-of-earnings benefits — about 85% of your take-home pay — not your full salary. These benefits aren't taxed.
- You can appeal a WSIB decision. Non-unionized workers can get free help from the Office of the Worker Adviser.
How the process works
Get medical help and report it right away
Tell your employer as soon as you're hurt and see a doctor. Quick reporting protects your health and your claim — delays are the top reason claims get questioned.
File your claim within six months
Submit your Worker's Report (Form 6) to WSIB. You generally have six months from the injury or diagnosis. Your employer files Form 7 and your health provider files Form 8.
Keep records of everything
Track your medical visits, time off, symptoms, and any contact with WSIB or your employer. Good records make a big difference if there's a dispute.
Cooperate with return to work — within reason
You have a duty to take part in a safe return to work, but it has to respect your medical restrictions. You don't have to do work that puts your recovery at risk.
Appeal if you're denied
If WSIB says no, you can object — but the deadlines are short (often 30 days for return-to-work decisions, six months for most others). Start a free PLAIN session and we'll point you to free help.
What to do next
- Report the injury to your employer immediately.
- Get medical treatment and tell them it's work-related.
- File your Worker's Report (Form 6) within six months.
- Confirm your employer filed their report (Form 7).
- Keep records of visits, time off, and symptoms.
- Follow medical restrictions on any return to work.
- Note the deadline on any decision letter you get.
- Contact the Office of the Worker Adviser if you're denied.
Common myths
| Myth | Reality |
|---|---|
| I can sue my employer if I'm hurt at work. | Usually no. WSIB is a no-fault system — instead of suing, you claim benefits, which you can get regardless of fault. |
| I can be fired for filing a WSIB claim. | Punishing or firing you for filing a claim or getting hurt is against the law. That's a reprisal, and you can challenge it. |
| WSIB pays my full salary. | It pays loss-of-earnings benefits of about 85% of your take-home pay, not 100% of your wages. The benefits aren't taxed. |
| I have unlimited time to file. | You generally have six months from the injury or diagnosis. Filing late is a common reason claims get denied. |
| Minor injuries aren't worth reporting. | Report anyway. A small injury can get worse, and you need it on record to claim benefits later. |
| If the injury was my own fault, I get nothing. | WSIB is no-fault. You can still get benefits even if the accident was partly or fully your own doing. |
| I can't appeal a WSIB denial. | You can. There's an internal appeal and then an independent tribunal — with strict deadlines, so act fast. |
| I have to pay for help with my claim. | Non-unionized workers can get free help from the Office of the Worker Adviser. |
Last reviewed June 2026
Written and reviewed by the founder of PLAIN, checked against primary government and legal sources. How we research these guides
Sources
PLAIN gives legal information, not legal advice. It is not a substitute for a lawyer or paralegal — and we'll point you to free ones. Laws change; we review these pages regularly, but always confirm current rules with the Ministry of Labour or a licensed professional.
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