How the WCB is Responding to COVID-19

Download January COVID-19 stats information as a PDF 

My worker believes they contracted COVID-19 at work. What should I do next?

You are required to report workplace injuries resulting in time missed from work or a medical treatment within five business days of being made aware of them. If you have not already signed up for electronic claim reporting, the WCB encourages you to do so.

Work-related injuries and illnesses, including in some cases COVID-19, have always been and continue to be covered by the WCB and determined on a case-by-case basis.
 

Is COVID-19 work-related?

Most instances of COVID-19 are not work-related. However, the nature and type of work your workers do may put them at greater risk of contracting the virus than the general public. Nurses, health care aides and other direct care providers in hospitals and long-term care facilities are some examples of workers who may be at greater risk.

 

When is a COVID-19 claim accepted?

For a COVID-19 claim to be accepted, the WCB must determine that a worker contracted the virus as a result of an exposure arising out of and in the course of employment.

 

How will the WCB make this determination?

The WCB adjudicates work relatedness and benefit entitlement based on the specific and unique circumstances of each individual case. The WCB gathers information from you and other sources to assist in making this decision.

 

How is work-relatedness determined?

To determine the work-relatedness of COVID-19 claims, the WCB looks at details such as the person’s employment activities, their symptoms and whether they have a diagnosis of COVID-19.

 

Does a worker need a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 to receive benefits?

While a diagnosis is generally not required, the WCB considers the facts in each case to determine entitlement.

 

Does the WCB cover workers during self-isolation or quarantine when they are not sick?

No, the WCB does not provide coverage to workers when they are quarantined, self-isolating or sent home on a precautionary basis and are symptom-free. However, should a worker develop symptoms during quarantine, they may be eligible for compensation.

 

Will a COVID-19 claim impact my WCB rate?

No, all costs for COVID-19 claims in 2020, 2021, and the first six months of 2022 will be excluded for rate-setting purposes. These costs will still appear on your Claim Transaction Statement for transparency and statistical purposes; this information can assist you with the ongoing management of COVID-19 claims.

 

Some of my workers already have a WCB claim. What does this mean for me?

The WCB continues to make decisions on their claims, share information with you and pay benefits to workers, where eligible. If you have not already signed up for Employer Insight, the WCB encourages you to do so. This electronic tool allows you to manage and monitor claims and return to work activities.

 

My business has been affected by COVID-19. What does this mean for my workers with existing claims?

You should contact your adjudicator or case manager to discuss any impact this may have on these claims. The WCB reviews the circumstances of each individual claim.
 

Does the WCB cover workers who have an adverse reaction to a COVID19 vaccine?

If vaccination is a condition of employment, and a worker experiences an adverse reaction to the vaccination, this may result in a compensable injury. For that to happen, the WCB must be satisfied that the injury arose out of and in the course of your employment. The WCB makes its decisions based on the specific circumstances of each case.
 

 

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the state of emergency declared by the Province of Manitoba, businesses are experiencing dramatic changes as they attempt to apply physical distance strategies in the workplace, and in some circumstances, have extended continuance pay or potentially issued temporary lay-offs.

To help support employers, the WCB implemented a number of COVID-19 relief measures in 2020 which included: 

• Premiums deferred to October 30, 2020 without penalty or interest.
• Extended payroll reporting deadline to the end of May.
• 20% surplus distribution for active employers was issued in May.
• Maintained active coverage for accounts that deferred payments to October. Accounts remained in good standing for clearance purposes.

Note: Premium payments must be received by October 30 to avoid interest and late payment penalties. If you are unable to pay the full amount, please contact our Collections Department at CollectionUnit@wcb.mb.ca or 204-954-4978 to discuss payment arrangements.

 

Account registration and assessments continue

While we are open for business, our online services at wcb.mb.ca are a convenient and efficient way to interact with us. Options include paying your premiums online, website chat with an assessment account representative or submitting an email with an inquiry to assessmentservices@wcb.mb.ca.

Our online services at wcb.mb.ca are a convenient and efficient way to interact with us. Options include paying your premiums online, website chat with an assessment account representative or submitting an email with an inquiry to assessmentservices@wcb.mb.ca.

 

Change your payroll estimate

Businesses that have experienced a significant change in their payroll compared to what was initially reported to the WCB should submit a revised 2020 payroll estimate and this year’s premium will be adjusted accordingly. The quickest and most effective way to submit revised payroll would be to send an email with your account number to assessmentservices@wcb.mb.ca.
 

Request payment arrangements

We recognize that some employers may require additional support at this time. If you are unable to make your payment by October 30, 2020, please contact our Collections Department at CollectionUnit@wcb.mb.ca or 204-954-4978 to discuss payment arrangements. 

 

For more information contact Assessment Services:

Email: assessmentservices@wcb.mb.ca

Web chat: wcb.mb.ca/contact-wcb

Winnipeg: 204-954-4505

Within Canada toll free: 1-855-954-4321, ext. 4505

Am I covered by the Manitoba WCB if I have COVID-19?

Work-related injuries and illnesses, including in some cases COVID-19, have always been and continue to be covered by the WCB and determined on a case-by-case basis.

 

Is COVID-19 work-related?

Most instances of COVID-19 are not work-related. However, the nature and type of work you do may put you at greater risk of contracting the virus than the general public. Nurses, health care aides and other direct care providers in hospitals or long-term care facilities are some examples of workers who may be at greater risk.

 

When might a COVID-19 claim be accepted?

For a COVID-19 claim to be accepted, the WCB must determine that you contracted the virus as a result of an exposure arising out of and in the course of employment.

 

How will the WCB make this determination?

The WCB adjudicates work relatedness and benefit entitlement based on the specific and unique circumstances of each individual case. The WCB gathers information from you and other sources to assist in making this decision.

 

How is work-relatedness determined?

To determine the work-relatedness of COVID-19 claims, the WCB looks at details such as the person’s employment activities, their symptoms and whether they have a diagnosis of COVID-19.

 

Do I need a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 to receive WCB benefits?

While a diagnosis is generally not required, the WCB considers the facts in each case to determine entitlement.

 

Does the WCB cover me for self-isolation or quarantine if I'm not sick?

No, the WCB does not provide coverage when you are quarantined, self-isolating or sent home on a precautionary basis and are symptom free. However, should you develop symptoms during quarantine, you may be eligible for benefits.

 

I think I contracted COVID-19 at work. What should I do next?

If you believe you contracted the virus while at work, you should let your employer know and complete a Notice of Injury form. If you have missed time from work or attended medical treatment, you may file a claim with us to determine if you are eligible for benefits. 

 

I already have a WCB claim. What does this mean for me?

The WCB continues to make decisions on your claim, share information with you and pay your benefits, where eligible. If you are currently receiving benefits, the WCB encourages you to sign up for direct deposit. To ensure timely set up, please email your form to DirectDeposit@wcb.mb.ca.

 

My employer's business has been affected by COVID-19. What does this mean for me?

You should contact your adjudicator or case manager to discuss any impact this may have on your claim. The WCB reviews the circumstances of each individual claim.

If you have specific questions about your claim, please contact your adjudicator or case manager.
 

Am I covered if I have an adverse reaction to a COVID19 vaccine?

If vaccination is a condition of your employment, and you experience an adverse reaction to the vaccine, this may result in a compensable injury. For that to happen, the WCB must be satisfied that the injury arose out of and in the course of your employment.The WCB makes its decisions based on the specific circumstances of each case.

 

We strongly encourage healthcare providers to sign up for Direct Deposit to help maintain social distancing and avoid delays in receiving payment. To request direct deposit, complete the Healthcare Direct Deposit Form and email it to DirectDeposit@wcb.mb.ca.

Download the Direct Deposit Form for Healthcare Providers.