Policy:

To help severely injured workers become more independent, the WCB provides support and assistance in a consistent, timely and cost-effective manner.

The WCB determines the worker's eligibility according to the severity of the injury and the worker's functional needs.  Each case is judged on its own merit.

This policy is effective January 1, 2011, unless noted otherwise.  Any exceptions are listed within the specific policy section(s).

Interpretation

1.0 Severely Injured Workers

A worker is considered severely injured when:

(a) because of the compensable injury, the worker has severe and prolonged functional limitations; and

(b) because of those functional limitations, needs temporary or permanent assistance with communication, mobility, or self-care.

2.0 Support and Assistance

Not all severely injured workers need the same level of support and assistance.  The WCB determines and provides the type and amount of assistance required as a result of the compensable injury, based on medical evidence and/or an occupational therapist's recommendation.

Workers with severe injuries may require extensive medical, social, psychological, and vocational support and assistance.  Support and assistance is provided in the forms of devices and aids; allowances and services for increasing independence; and skills training.  Some examples are:

• communication aids
• home and/or vehicle modifications to assist with the worker's mobility
• medical aids necessary for reaching and maintaining reasonable levels of health and safety
• personal care, home maintenance and clothing allowances
• offering psychological counselling for the worker and worker's family to help them deal with the consequences of the injury
• legal costs for a court appointment of a Co-decision-maker, Guardian or Trustee.

Please see Part II for additional information on the following subjects:

Application

1. Communication
2. Mobility
3. Medical Aids
4. Self-Care
5. Co-decision-makers, Guardians and Trustees

Addendum

Addendum A - Maximum Clothing Allowances
Addendum B - Home Maintenance Allowances