Review and appeal

The Decision Review Office is here to review WorkSafeNB decisions if you disagree with the original decision. 

Our mandate is to review decisions under the Workers’ Compensation Act, the Firefighters’ Compensation Act, the Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission and Workers’ Compensation Appeals Tribunal Act and the Government Employees’ Compensation Act.

Although a part of WorkSafeNB, the Decision Review Office operates independently and is guided by impartiality. We are committed to reviewing your decision to ensure it has been made in accordance with legislation, policy, and the merits of your case. 

Our team is trained in administrative justice through the Foundation of Administrative Justice. The Decision Review Office reports directly to WorkSafeNB's Associate General Counsel & Corporate Secretary.

We cannot help with an appeal, recommend policy changes or accept referrals from WorkSafeNB staff (you must contact us directly). We are also unable to complete reviews when new information affecting the matter in question has been presented which has not first been considered by initial decision-maker.

As of January 1, 2020:

• You must have your decision reviewed by the Decision Review Office first before proceeding to appeal; and
• You must request the review within 90 days after the original decision date.

If you disagree with a decision

If you disagree with a decision, a decision review specialist will conduct an impartial review. This review will have one of four possible outcomes:

• Confirm the original decision
• Revoke the original decision
• Vary the original decision
• Suspend the original decision (return it to the original decision maker for another look - for example, when new evidence is presented)

The decision review specialist's decision is WorkSafeNB’s final decision. If you disagree with this decision, you can file an appeal with the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Tribunal (WCAT). The WCAT will contact you directly about your appeal. A worker or employer advocate can help you file an appeal. Their services are free.

Injured workers, employers or their representatives can request a review. You can request a review by:

• Completing the Decision Review Form and forwarding it to the Decision Review Office (Please note this form is not compatible with Mozilla Firefox or Chrome. We recommend using Internet Explorer.)
• Contacting the Decision Review Office directly by phone or email.

Contact the Decision Review Office:
1 Portland Street
Saint John, N.B. E2L 3X9
Email: decisions@ws-ts.nb.ca
Toll-free: 1 800 999-9775
Tel: 506 738-4317
Fax: 506 642-0720