New Regulation Simplifies Reporting to Board

The Nova Scotia government has introduced a new regulation that simplifies the way pre-accident earnings are reported to the Workers' Compensation Board of Nova Scotia. With this new regulation, employers will now report their workers' normal gross earnings, which will then be used in the calculation of compensation benefits.

"The new regulation makes earnings reporting easier for employers, which in turn, will reduce the time employers need to complete the report and submit it to the board," said Angus MacIsaac, acting Minister of Environment and Labour.

"This regulation is in keeping with our government's commitment to reduce administrative red tape for Nova Scotia businesses," said the minister.

Normal gross earnings are any earnings paid to workers on a regular basis. Specifically, they include: regular salary or wages, regular overtime, commission, bonuses, vacation pay, profit sharing, tips and gratuities, taxable benefits, and other income included in Employment Income and Other Employment Income on the worker's individual tax return.

Previously, employers were required to report their workers' earnings in the four weeks prior to the accident. This was particularly complicated for those who do not work a regular work schedule--such as a nurse working shift work, or a fisherman who has seasonal employment.

This change in reporting was introduced as part of an overall revamping of the reporting of workplace accidents, including the development of a new Workers Compensation Board Accident Report. These initiatives were undertaken in consultation with employers across the province. The new accident report and a user's guide to help complete the new form have been distributed to all employers registered with the board.

"There are two very positive outcomes resulting from the regulatory change and our service improvement initiatives," said David Stuewe, CEO for the board. "First, the new accident report is faster and easier to complete, which we hope will help reduce the time it takes to deliver the first cheque to someone who was injured at work. Second, using normal earnings will allow us to calculate a benefit based on an amount which reflects more accurately the worker's usual earnings."

The Workers' Compensation Board of Nova Scotia provides comprehensive workplace accident insurance to over 16,000 employers and approximately 300,000 workers in Nova Scotia.