Office of the Worker Adviser

“I am very excited to be working with the Centre.  I have spent many years helping persons with disabilities navigate the complexities of Canada’s disability programs.  Unfortunately, due in large part to discontinuities among the programs, many disabled people have poor employment outcomes.  I am confident that the researchers and partners associated with the Centre will identify changes in disability policy which will bring major improvements in the wellbeing and outcomes for persons with disabilities.”

The Office of the Worker Adviser (OWA) is an independent agency of the Ontario Ministry of Labour. The OWA is not part of the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) or the Ontario Labour Relations Board (OLRB).

The OWA provides workplace insurance services to non-unionized injured workers and their survivors. Occupational health and safety reprisal services are provided to non-unionized workers. The OWA delivers all of its services in English and French.

The OWA develops community partnerships with other groups that assist injured workers or who promote health and safety in the workplace. The OWA also provides educational services in local communities on topics related to its mandates.

Services

The OWA provides free and confidential services (advice, education, and representation) in workplace insurance matters (formerly called workers’ compensation) and on occupational health and safety reprisal issues.

Workplace Insurance Matters

If you are a non-unionized injured worker, or a survivor of an injured worker, the OWA can:

• represent you in your appeal at the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) or the Workplace Safety and Insurance Appeals Tribunal (WSIAT)
• provide information over the phone about workplace insurance benefits and procedures
• provide written materials on common workplace insurance problems
• inform you about other places where you can find help

Health & Safety Reprisal Issues

If you think you have been the victim of an occupational health and safety reprisal and you are not a member of a union, the OWA can:

• give you advice about your rights and how to enforce them
• represent you in filing an application to the Ontario Labour Relations Board (OLRB)
• represent you at a mediation, consultation or hearing at the OLRB
• provide written materials on occupational health and safety reprisals
• inform you about other places where you can get help.