Poverty and the injured worker

Injured worker survey (ONIWG, June 2009)
Read the Key Findings and Full Report of the recent survey by Ontario injured workers on the financial and social impacts on workers' lives after a work-related injury or illness.

Bill 152: Poverty Reduction Act (S.O. 2009, c.10)

The financial effects of a work injury or disease on an injured worker and his/her family often compound the physical and psychological harm. The real value of compensation benefits has been eroded by successive legislation, policy and adjudication.

These two charts below (based on data from the ONIWG 2009 Poverty Survey) show the harsh economic reality that all too often follows a work-related injury:

During an economic downturn, injured workers are among the most vulnerable. These concerns were clearly stated in a recent "Bright Lights Presentation to the WCB Chair" (Nov. 28, 2008). [read here]

Advocates and injured worker groups actively work for positive change that addresses issues of inadequate coverage and entitlement, benefit rates and lack of available and suitable employment. In addition to law reform, they work also to raise public awareness through regular rallies and vigils outside Queen's Park.

Academic and participatory research, including the current projects of the Research Action Alliance on the Consequences of Work Injury, provides further evidence of the economic impacts of occupational injury and the current workers' compensation system.

Recently the Ontario Liberal government introduced a new Poverty Reduction Strategy (Dec. 4, 2008). In response, injured worker groups, advocates and labour unions have rallied to remind the government how far injured workers have fallen behind, especially since the introduction of Bill 99. [CUPE News release, Dec. 11, 2008]

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