What should you do if you have a work accident?
If you have a work accident, here’s what you have to do.
1. Inform your employer quickly
Your employer must be informed quickly by you or another person when a work accident occurs. This is essential because your employer has an obligation to provide you with first aid. If you have to go to the hospital, a clinic or even home after your accident, your employer will pay the cost of transportation (ambulance, taxi, public transit, etc.).
Inform your employer about your accident even if you do not need medical attention. Registering the incident in the Register of Accidents, Incidents and First Aid is a best practice.
2. See a healthcare professional
You must see a healthcare professional if you are injured. You may consult the healthcare professional of your choice. They will give you a medical certificate. You will need it to file your worker's claim.
If you are unable to work for the rest of the day, your employer must pay you 100% of your wages for that day’s absence.
The healthcare professional will set your return-to-work date. If you are unable to return to your regular job in the short term, your employer may offer you a temporary assignment.
3. Give the medical certificate to your employer
If you are unable to return to work the day after the accident, you must give the medical certificate to your employer.
Your employer must complete the “Avis de l'employeur et demande de remboursement” form online for your first 14 days of absence, send it to CNESST and give you a copy.
Your employer must pay you 90% of your net wages for the days you would normally have worked, not including the day of the accident. This is called an income replacement indemnity for the first 14 days.
4. Fill out the Worker's claim form
You have 6 months from the date of your accident to file your claim with the CNESST. If you have an employment injury resulting from sexual violence, you have two years to file your claim.
Send in your documents
To facilitate processing your claim, please send us all relevant documents, such as your medical certificate, receipts and prescriptions. Make sure to give your employer a copy of your claim.
Receive compensation
In the event of an employment injury, you may be entitled to compensation, health services and rehabilitation if your claim is accepted.
If your occupational injury occurred outside of Québec, you may have to choose between being compensated by the CNESST or by another organization’s compensation plan.
Receive reimbursement of expenses
Your claim must be accepted before you can claim certain expenses such as medical or travel. You may be reimbursed for expenses even if you did not have to leave work.
5. Undergo medical examinations
You must undergo all the medical examinations requested and that you follow all the treatments prescribed by your healthcare professional. You may have to undergo additional medical examinations if requested by the CNESST or your employer.
You are obliged to attend the medical examinations. Follow your healthcare professional's recommendations to ensure that your file is as complete as possible. If you do not attend the examinations, there may be penalties on the amounts that may be paid to you.
6. Inform the CNESST of any changes in your situation
You must inform us of any changes in your medical situation or that could affect your case. For example, a change in your health or a move must be reported to the CNESST to keep your file up to date.
When you know the date of your return to work, you must inform your employer and the CNESST immediately.
Procedures and rights following a work accident
Visit I had an accident or illness at work to learn more about procedures to follow and your rights following a work accident.