Review Process

Pre-requisites for a Review

Your first review is conducted within WorkplaceNL through its Internal Review Division. A final decision must be made at this level before a case can be heard by WCIRB.

You have thirty days from the date of a final decision of WorkplaceNL to apply to WCIRB and initiate an external review. The WCIRB may not accept your Request for Review application if it is not filed within the appropriate time frame.

If the thirty day time limit has elapsed for filing your Request for Review application, you must complete the Extension of Time Request section of the Request for Review application. The Chief Review Commissioner, upon review of this section, may grant an extension of time.

A Request for Review can be filed by an injured worker, their dependent, or an employer. Issues under review can include wage loss benefits, dependency benefits, disputes caused by the assignment of an employer to a particular group, medical aid benefits, etc.

WCIRB will not review a WorkplaceNL decision after twelve months.

Applying for a Review

To initiate the review process, a Request for Review application form must be completed and forwarded to our office. The application must contain information on the worker, authorized representatives and the employer, the date of the decision you wish to have reviewed, the reasons why you believe the decision is incorrect, and a brief outline of the type of benefit you are seeking from WorkplaceNL. Failure to include any of this information can cause a delay in processing your review application.

Applications are available online under the Forms and Applications section of this website, in-person, or by email or telephone request at the WCIRB office, or you may forward a letter containing your name, address, telephone number, WorkplaceNL claim number(s), your accident employer’s name and complete address, the date of your decision and the reasons you are applying for a review to WCIRB.

Employers who also wish to initiate a review may complete the Request for Review application form including their firm’s information such as WorkplaceNL Firm Number, the firm’s name, address, telephone number and contact person. The date of the WorkplaceNL decision to be reviewed and the reasons why it is believed to be incorrect must also be included, as well as the remedy requested.

Any applicant planning to have representation during the review process must complete Section 4, Authorization and Consent, of the Request for Review application, consenting to the release of information to their named representative. Should you acquire a representative after filing your Request for Review application, or wish to change your representative, you must complete the separate Authorized Representative Consent form located here.

Check List

  • Have you included a copy of your final decision from WorkplaceNL?
  • Have you listed all claim numbers or the firm number involved in your review?
  • Have you provided the following information:
    • The final WorkplaceNL decision date.
    • Your complete mailing address, email, and phone number.
    • The complete address and telephone number of the accident employer or the name of the employee if this is an employer review.
    • Have you stated the reasons why you disagree with WorkplaceNL’s decision?
    • Have you stated the type of benefits or remedy requested you believe you are entitled to?
  • Have you made WCIRB aware of any person who will be representing you by completing the Authorization and Consent section of the application?
  • Any information omitted from your Request for Review application form may cause a delay in processing your review.

Acceptance of the Request for Review Application

Worker

Once your Request for Review application has been received, a letter is sent to WorkplaceNL to advise them that you are requesting a review of their decision.

WCIRB will then request that WorkplaceNL confirm the issue(s) stated on the application has been finalized at WorkplaceNL. A copy of your file will also be requested. After receiving WorkplaceNL’s reply, a letter is sent to you and your accident employer (if applicable) on the status of your application.

When your application is accepted your case will be assigned to one of WCIRB’s Client Service Officers (CSO). The CSO becomes your WCIRB contact and they can assist you during the scheduling process.

Employer

In the case of an employer’s Request for Review application, a letter is sent to WorkplaceNL to advise them you have requested a review of their decision.

After receiving WorkplaceNL’s reply, a letter is sent to you and the worker (if a worker is involved) on the status of your application. This usually takes 10-14 days after the Request for Review application is received.

For employers who have been notified in writing that a Request for Review application has been submitted by one of its employees, an Employer’s Notice of Intention to Participate form must be filled out and returned to the WCIRB office within 14 days of receipt of correspondence.

When your application is accepted, it is assigned to a CSO at this office, who will contact you with a hearing date.

Review Process Chart

Download the Review Process chart.