Workers' Compensation Board of Nova Scotia

Other forms of name:
Nova Scotia. Workers' Compensation Board

The Workmen's Compensation Board was established in 1916 to administer the act providing for compensation to workers for injuries sustained and industrial diseases contracted on the job. The gradual introduction of medical care and hospital insurance led to the board's adopting the concept of the mutual accident assurance plan, which not only protects employers against liability but also insures employees against loss of earnings. In 1975 the Workmen's Compensation Appeal Board (now Workers Compensation Appeals Tribunal) was established to hear appeals from the Workmen's Compensation Board. In 1979 the name of both boards was changed from "Workmen" to "Workers". In 1992 a chief executive officer of the Workers' Compensation Board of Nova Scotia (WCB) was appointed, replacing the executive director, and in 1995 a board of directors established. The purpose of the WCB, which is purely regulatory and non-adjudicative, is to provide direction and set corporate policy for the workers compensation system. Its function is to coordinate the workers' compensation system to assist injured workers and their employers by providing timely health care and rehabilitative support in order to help injured workers return to work; and by providing appropriate compensation for work-related disabilities. The WCB is also responsible for worker safety education and accident prevention information for the workplace.

Notes: Authority record based on Statutes of Nova Scotia: 1915 c. 1, 1938 c. 3, 1954 c. 6, 1968 c. 65, 1969 c. 85, 1975 c. 43, 1976 c. 36, 1978-79 c. 38, 1992 c. 35, 1994-95 c. 10.

see also Nova Scotia Workers Compensation Appeals Tribunal