A worker equipping PPE at a job site in Nova Scotia. Photo: WCB NS.
The Workers’ Compensation Board of Nova Scotia says its Protect More Strategic Plan is improving return-to-work rates for injured workers, with a focus on reducing recovery times and increasing efficiency in treatment.
A new system introduced in fall 2024 targets the province’s most common workplace injuries—sprains and strains. The approach, which emphasizes early intervention and collaboration with health care providers, has led to 90 percent of injured workers returning to work within 30 days and 98 percent within 60 days. Treatment sessions have also been reduced from an average of 30 to just seven.
The agency reports that so far, 600 workers have successfully resumed work, either in full capacity or with modified duties.
Despite these improvements, the Workers’ Compensation Board of Nova Scotia says more than one million workdays are lost each year due to workplace injuries. CEO Karen Adams says reducing these absences is critical, as returning to work sooner benefits workers’ physical, psychological, and financial well-being while also improving workforce stability and health care efficiency.
As part of its ongoing efforts, the agency has launched a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a new health care model. The new system is intended to replace an inconsistent framework and provide workers with faster access to care, digital treatment options, and standardized assessment and recovery services. The goal is to create long-term cost savings that could be reinvested into benefits and reduced employer premiums.
The RFP remains open until April 14, with providers expected to be selected in 2025.
