The Government of New Brunswick introduced legislation to support injured workers and their families. These historic benefit improvements include an increase in loss of earnings benefits and adjustments to maximum annual earnings.

Once passed, starting July 1, 2024, wage loss benefits for all injured workers will increase from 85% to 90% of net earnings. In addition, amendments have been introduced to refine how we calculate Maximum Annual Earnings (MAE). The updated calculation will result in more of our clients having their full wages covered, with the MAE set to increase from $76,900 to $82,100.

Injured workers who are currently receiving benefits will receive the increase automatically and are not required to do anything.

With fishing vessels now considered a place of employment, all the same laws and regulations that apply to New Brunswick workplaces now apply to fishing vessels. This includes: the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act; General Regulation 91-191; and the regulations for Working Alone; Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System; and, First Aid.

While the legislation was enacted on December 4, 2022, to allow fishers time to get familiar with the responsibilities and make necessary adjustments to vessels and equipment, WorkSafeNB will only begin to monitor compliance on June 1, 2024.

Artists contribute significantly to the economy and play a vital role in shaping New Brunswick's cultural industry, by influencing creativity, diversity and a unique sense of identity. WorkSafeNB has launched a survey to learn more about workplace injuries and illnesses experienced by professional artists. With the data collected, WorkSafeNB will:

1. Develop industry-specific information on occupational injury and illness prevention based on the injuries and illness experienced by artists; and
2. Increase knowledge of artists and their professional associations on accessing workers’ compensation coverage.

The application to become an approved joint health and safety committee training provider has been streamlined into a single application to better serve you. Previously, there were two separate applications for organizations applying to provide training to the public and employers seeking to provide training to their employees.

The new application also:

• Clearly outlines required qualifications
• Includes the option to add multiple trainers
• Allows proof of competency to be uploaded before submission

WorkSafeNB proudly presents the Safety Star Awards, an initiative to recognize and honour New Brunswickers who are actively contributing to making our province the safest place to work. 

These awards aren't just about acknowledging achievements; they are about celebrating a collective commitment to fostering a culture of safety. Whether it's an individual who consistently sets the bar high or an organization leading the way in workplace safety, we want to hear about them!

Orientation and training provide employees with necessary safety information about their job and tasks. In New Brunswick, all employers are required to provide new employees with orientation before they begin work, as well as job specific training.

Summer’s almost here. Hot weather can cause dangerous conditions for workers and increase the risk of heat stress. Workers who work outdoors aren't the only ones at risk. A combination of high outdoor temperatures with heat build-up inside can be fatal. 

WorkSafeNB is required to update the records of all employers participating in AAP for Interprovincial Transport every three years. Employers no longer participating must also complete and submit the form.

To submit your form:

1. Mail to: WorkSafeNB P.O. Box 160 Saint John NB E2L 3X9,
2. Fax to: 506-632-2819, or
3. Scan and email to: assessment.cotisations@ws-ts.nb.ca

As of January 1, 2023, all insurance companies and workers' compensation boards have transitioned to the new International Financial Reporting Standards for Insurance Contracts (IFRS 17). This new accounting standard requires changes to how our financial statements are prepared and reported.

WorkSafeNB's health and safety officers and occupational hygienists are given legislative authority to write orders under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, to improve safety and prevent accidents in New Brunswick workplaces.

When these orders are not complied with, or when an accident has taken place as a result of a violation of the Act and/or its regulations, WorkSafeNB may recommend charges to the Department of Justice.