Secondary Injury

Policy Purpose

As a consequence of a previous workplace accident, some workers may experience a secondary injury. 

The WCB determines that an injury is a secondary injury where:

• it is caused to the worker by an intervening incident, event or exposure ("intervening event");
• the intervening event is not work related; and,
• there is a causal link or relationship between the intervening event and the previous workplace accident. 

This policy explains when a secondary injury will be compensable.

Where the WCB determines that the secondary injury is compensable, cost relief may be available to the accident employer (i.e. the worker's employer at the time of the previous workplace accident).    

A secondary injury is not a recurrence. For guidance on recurrences, see Policy 44.10.20.60 Recurring Effects of Injuries and Illnesses (Recurrences).