If you are the spouse or dependent of a worker who is killed at the workplace or dies from an occupational disease You may be entitled to benefits. You must apply within six months from the date of the accident for your claim to be assessed.

These benefits may include:

• Funds to cover burial and grieving expenses
• Spousal benefits
• Benefits for dependent children

We know that a big worry with a workplace injury, illness or death is...How will we pay the bills? 

We can help you with various services and types of compensation if you or a loved one is seriously injured or killed in a workplace accident. If you are injured at work and your claim is accepted, WorkSafeNB will usually:

Pay for 85% of your net lost wages if off work due to the injury.

Pay for medical treatment and health-care expenses related to the injury.

Oversee your recovery and work with health-care providers to arrange treatment and return-to-work programs.   

If your work injury results in the permanent loss of use of any body part, you may (in addition to your loss of earnings benefits) be entitled to a lump sum award based on your level of impairment.

WorkSafeNB is mandated to enforce the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) and its regulations. The OHS Act was established to help protect workers from workplace injury and illness.

Under the OHS Act, the employer must contact WorkSafeNB immediately when a worker is critically injured or killed at work. Generally, an investigation begins right away and is carried out by a specialist in incident investigations (investigations officer) to determine the causes and contributing factors and identify any violations of the OHS Act and regulations. Investigations also identify corrective actions and preventive measures to help avoid similar incidents. These investigations can take up to a year or more to complete. 

Once the investigation is complete, WorkSafeNB’s legal counsel assesses whether charges are appropriate against workplace parties. If charges are deemed appropriate, WorkSafeNB provides a report and recommendations on charges to the Crown prosecutor’s office. Charges must be laid within two years from the incident date.

When fatalities occur, WorkSafeNB will provide a copy of the report to the Office of the Chief Coroner, who may hold an inquest. 

Our investigations officers are here to help you and your loved ones navigate through next steps during this difficult time of grieving. Soon after the investigation begins, an investigations officer will contact the injured worker and/or the family to explain the process. Due to the nature of these incidents, confidential grief counselling services are available to family members on an interim basis. Initial counselling sessions are provided free to family members.

You will experience many moments of intense sadness, anger, and frustration.

Focus on the steps you choose to take each day – small or large, few or many – that will move you forward. The majority of individuals experiencing acute stress disorder recover completely. If the disorder lasts more than four weeks, you should consult a physician as you may be at risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Traumatic events can lead to either acute or post-traumatic stress disorders. If a psychologist or psychiatrist diagnoses the injured worker with a stress-related disorder, they may be eligible for compensation benefits.

For more information about making a claim, contact 1 800 999-9775. 

Please know that others have shared similar journeys, and that many people are concerned and care about your well-being.

• After a critical workplace incident, participate in any debriefing services offered. 
• Consult with various resources available through your employer’s Employee Assistance Program, your family physician, your local community mental health services or pastoral services.  
• Structure your time and keep busy. Make to-do lists. 
• You are normal and so are your reactions. Do not label yourself as crazy or weak. 
• Talk to people. Reach out. Ask for help - those friends who said “Let me know what I can do” really mean it. 
• Maintain as regular a schedule as possible, including sleep. 
• Spend time with others; do not isolate yourself.
• Help your co-workers as much as possible by sharing feelings and checking out how they are doing. 
• Realize that those around you may also be experiencing stress or grief. 
• Allow yourself to feel your emotions and share your feelings. 
• Avoid making major decisions for a while but do make as many daily decisions as possible that will give you a feeling of control over your life.
• Do not try to fight recurring thoughts, dreams, or flashbacks – they are normal and will decrease over time and become less painful.