October 2022

FRANÇAIS | ᐃᓄᒃᑎᑐᑦ

Strains and sprains are painful and common. They are one of the most frequently reported workplace injuries in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut. For example, in 2021, almost 18% of the injuries reported to the WSCC concerned sprains and strains.

Although similar, they are some subtle differences between sprains and strains.

Sprained ligaments occur when a joint is twisted or wrenched. Strains happen when a tendon or a muscle is overused, forced or stretched. Back, trunk and torso are especially susceptible to be affected by sprains and strains. Leg and lower extremities, like knees or ankle joint, are also at risk.

If you believe you’ve sprained a ligament or strained a muscle, do not wait to take action: ignoring these injuries can lead to complications and might result in long-term effects. If you feel a burning sensation, swelling, shooting pain, numbness, or if you have difficulty moving, you might be suffering from a strain or sprain.

Sprains and strains can happen as a result of many different types of activities. Fortunately, there are some easy steps you can take to reduce the risk of these types of injuries in the workplace by:

• Warming up and stretching before physical activity
• Being aware of any hazards that could cause a trip or fall in your workplace
• Making sure you are wearing the right footwear for the right environment and that it fits well

To learn more about sprains and strains prevention in the workplace, visit WSCC’s Safety Spotlight page. 

Did you know that WSCC has online resources available to help employers to better understand how they can support an early and safe return to work for employees recovering from injury?

With the right support, most people can recover and return to their jobs quickly. This reduces the physical and emotional impact of the injury on that worker, their family and co-workers.

All employers should have a plan in place to help employees recovering from injury to remain at work or return to suitable work as soon as it is medically safe.

WSCC has resources available online to assist you in your Return to Work planning; including an updated Code of Practice, that gives practical guidance about legal responsibilities in this area and an Employers Guide to Return to Work.

DEADLINE:

Payroll Estimate Revision

The deadline to report your 2022 payroll revisions is November 30. You must report significant changes (25% or greater) in your payroll estimate to avoid penalty. 

Report any changes by clicking on WSCC Connect.

You can find more information about payroll revision on WSCC Connect. If you have any questions on revising your payroll, contact Employer Services in the Northwest Territories at 1-800-661-0792 and in Nunavut at 1-877-404-4407.

Policy Changes

The Governance Council reviewed and approved revisions to the following policies at its September 2022 meeting in Iqaluit, Nunavut:

• Policy 03.12 - Pre-Existing Conditions
• Policy 04.13 - Conflicting Medical Opinions
• Policy 04.15 - Support Services for Injured Workers and Dependents (Formerly ‘Support Services for Injured Workers’)

Please refer to the WSCC Policy Manual to view all WSCC policies, and the Governance Council Directives to view all governance directives.

WSCC Office Closures

WSCC’s Offices will be closed for Thanksgiving on Monday, October 10, and will reopen on Tuesday, October 11.

To report a serious workplace injury or incident, call 1 (800) 661-0792.

To report unsafe work, use our online Report Unsafe Work service on WSCC Connect.