April 8, 2020                                                                FRANÇAIS | ᐃᓄᒃᑎᑐᑦ 
SAFETYNET Special Edition: Covid-19  
A message from our president

The WSCC is committed to reducing the risk and spread of COVID-19 and is working hard to support our northern employers, workers, medical providers and partners in safety as we continue to face this challenging time together.
 
Like many employers, we have had to make changes to safeguard our staff, visitors, and residents across the North. We have closed our offices in Yellowknife, Inuvik, and Iqaluit and moved the majority of our employees to work from home.  I want to assure all employers and workers that we are still very much open for business. We are continuing to adjudicate and manage new and existing claims. We are continuing to respond to workplace incidents and injuries. We are continuing to provide services to employers.
 
We are grateful for all those workers who are ensuring the continued movement of goods and delivery of essential services for our communities; from healthcare workers, tradespeople, transport drivers, pilots, cleaners, grocery store clerks, municipal services, traditional harvesters, and all others. We are working closely with local health authorities to help employers to do everything they can to keep them safe.
 
This week, we announced relief measures for businesses that are struggling to make their assessment payments as a result of the COVID-19 crisis. Effective April 1, 2020, the WSCC has suspended late payment interest charges and further extended the assessment payment deadline to August 1, 2020. The purpose of these changes is to give extra time to adjust payroll estimates for 2020 and to make payments later in the year without facing any penalties.
 
We are urging all employers who do not require an extended deadline to continue with their planned payment schedule. We will continue to closely monitor the situation and to make decisions that balance the needs of employers during this unprecedented situation with our obligation to sustain the Workers' Protection Fund for the future.
 
Please read the information below for answers to some of the frequently asked questions our staff are receiving about payments, assistance with risk assessments, payroll revisions, and WSCC service information that may impact your organization or workers.

Providing care to injured workers and working with employers to protect the health and safety of all northern workplaces remain our biggest priorities.
 
ᖁᔭᓐᓇᒦᒃ | Thank you | Quana | Merci | Mahsi Cho

Debbie Molloy, President and Chief Executive Officer
Workers' Safety and Compensation Commission.



Keep UP-TO-DATE

We are asking all employers and workers to closely follow the advice of our Chief Public Health Officers (CPHO) in both Territories and to make decisions based on the most current information and all orders and advisories issued related to business closures, essential services, self-isolation, social (physical) distancing and travel.

Updates On WSCC Services
 
Our offices are closed to the public, but our staff are still available. You can continue to call our main phone line at (800) 661-0792 or email info@wscc.nt.ca or info@wscc.nu.ca and you will be redirected to the service you require. You may experience longer wait times for services or returned calls. We appreciate your patience at this time.

The WSCC is adapting our services to make sure we are continuing to meet the needs of workers, employers and healthcare providers in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut. All service updates will be posted on the new COVID-19 section of our website as soon as they become available.

Assessment PAyments

Effective April 1, 2020, the WSCC has suspended late payment interest charges and further extended the assessment payment deadline to August 1, 2020.

How CAn i update my payroll?

Payroll estimates can be submitted or changed online through WSCC Connect. For an online guide please visit our WSCC Connect Help Desk. If you require further assistance, call (800) 661-0792 or email Employer Services.  

Payment Information for Injured Workers

Payments to injured workers will continue as scheduled. If an injured worker is currently receiving cheque payments, but wishes to switch to electronic fund transfer, we encourage them to contact their case manager with their banking information by calling (800) 661-0792 or emailing  Claims Services .

Can A Worker make a claim if They believe They contracted COVID-19 at work?

When a communicable disease such as COVID-19 is present in the community, people are at risk of contracting the virus through their daily activities. Most instances of COVID-19 are not work-related. However, if a worker experiences symptoms and believe they may have contracted the COVID -19 virus as a direct result of their employment, please contact our offices at  (800) 661-0792   and select our Claims department. The WSCC will determine whether a claim is related to work and what benefits will be provided based on the specific circumstances of each individual case .

FEatureD REsource: Risk Assessment for Essential Workers at your Worksite

All Employers should use the Risk Assessment and Worksite Precautions tool to determine the level of risk of exposure to COVID-19 for any essential workers at their worksites. WSCC developed this guidance in consultation with Public Health. Employers should continue to take all necessary steps to protect workers;
  • Consult with workers or the Joint OHS Committee to conduct the risk assessment.
  • The Assessment becomes part of your health and safety plan that you share with workers.
  • Reassess and update as circumstances change or new hazards are identified.
You do not need to submit the completed Risk Assessments to WSCC. 
  • Keep the completed risk assessments for your records,
  • Review protective measures regularly with staff to make sure everyone knows and understands what the employer will do to ensure safety and the steps they must take to protect themselves from exposure to COVID-19.
To have an OHS Inspector assist with your risk assessment, please email Covid-19@wscc.nt.ca.

For all other concerns related to COVID-19, visit https://www.hss.gov.nt.ca/en/services/coronavirus-disease-covid-19.

Working together to keep our workers safe

The WSCC team is working hard to develop resources for our northern employers and workers. All new resources will be posted on our website in the COVID -19 section as they become available, and on our social media pages. Please like and follow us for up to date information, and all of the latest news.

If you require more information and guidance on keeping your workers safe, please see below for a list of organizations that are continually putting out valuable resources about the COVID-19 crisis:
Together we will slow and stop the spread of COVID-19.

The WSCC will provide updates as the situation develops. If you have questions or concerns, contact the WSCC in the NWT at (867) 920-3888, toll-free (800) 661-0792 or in Nunavut at (867) 979-8500, toll-free (877) 404-4407, 8:30 to 5:00 pm local time.


wscc.nt.ca   /  1.800.661.0792   *   wscc.nu.ca  /  1.877.404.4407