Description

if a worker is injured or contracts a disease due to their work, they can file a claim with the Commission des normes, de l’équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail (CNESST) to potentially receive compensation.

Benefit Amount

If a claim is accepted, the CNESST may provide various types of compensation, such as:

• Income Replacement Indemnity: This helps replace lost wages if the worker is unable to work due to the injury or illness.
• Compensation for Bodily Injury: This compensates for permanent physical or psychological impairments resulting from the injury or illness.
• Rehabilitation Services: The CNESST may also provide rehabilitation services to help the worker recover and return to work.

Eligibility Criteria

All workers are covered by the CNESST except:

• Self-employed workers (called “independent operators”)
• Domestics who do not work for the same individual at least:
  • 420 hours over a period of 1 year (12 months)
  • 30 hours a week over a period of 7 consecutive weeks
• Volunteers
• Professional athletes
• Persons hired by an individual to care for another person (a child, an invalid, a handicapped person, or an elderly person)

Application Process

To claim for a work-related accident or occupational disease or condition follow these steps.

• For a work related accident:
  • Inform your employer.
  • Consult a healthcare professional or physician.
  • Fill out the Worker’s Claim form, sign and fax or mail to your regional CNESST office and give a copy to your employer.
  • File your claim within 6 months of the accident.
  • Take any required medical exams.
  • Inform your employer and the CNESST.
  • The worker’s claim process is described step by step by the CNESST.
• For an occupational disease:
  • See a healthcare professional or physician.
  • Inform your employer as soon as possible and submit the medical certificate.
  • Fill out the worker’s claim and the appendix related to your medical situation.
  • Note that you must send in your claim within 6 months from the date you were diagnosed by your healthcare professional or the date when you realize the connection between your disease and your work.