Return to work - Work reintegration

In 2010, the Board proposed a new Work Reintegration Program to replace the current Labour Market Re-entry and Early and Safe Return to Work programs. Injured workers and their advocates have expressed concerns that the new focus on returning injured workers to the workplace with their accident employers must allow adequate time to heal, so that workers aren't pressured to "get back to work" without regard to the nature of their disabilities or their ability to take part in return to work programs.

They also called on the the Board to take steps to address the special needs of more vulnerable workers (older workers and those injured while working in non-unionized workplaces, often in temporary or precarious jobs) - early recognition of toxic work environments, and continued access to retraining and loss of earnings benefits if their employment relationships break down. The Work Reintegration Program must provide for financial security for the worker if return to work fails. The goal of vocational rehabilitation should be decent, safe and sustainable work for the worker who is actually employed as a result - not merely "deemed" to be employed.

In December 2010 the Board released and implemented interim draft Work Reintegration policies while the consultation is still ongoing. These policies have raised additional concerns, in particular, the expanded use of "deeming" through provisions that would require relocation in search of work, even if that location offers only job opportunities, not an actual job offer.

Responses to the new Work Reintegration Program and draft policies: