How Long Do You Have to Report a Workplace Injury?

Workplace injuries are a serious concern in any working environment. Whether the injury is caused by an accident, structural failure, or even a work-related disease, the way it is reported plays a crucial role in determining eligibility for compensation and benefits.

In Quebec, workers are protected by the Commission des normes, de l’équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail (CNESST), which oversees the reporting process and ensures that workers receive the necessary compensation for their injuries. This article explains the reporting requirements and guides you through the steps to take after a workplace injury in Quebec. If you’ve been injured at work, keep reading to learn what to do next!

What is a Workplace Injury?

A workplace injury is any physical or psychological harm that a worker sustains while performing job-related tasks. These injuries can range from minor sprains and strains to severe conditions, such as loss of vision, permanent disability, or fatalities.

Workplace injuries also include occupational diseases, which develop over time due to exposure to hazardous substances or repetitive work-related activities. Additionally, mental health conditions, such as work-related stress, anxiety, or PTSD, are recognized as workplace injuries when directly linked to job conditions.

Types of Injuries Covered by the CNESST

The CNESST provides coverage for a wide range of injuries and conditions arising from employment, including:​

• Bodily Injuries from Accidents: These include physical injuries resulting from incidents such as falls, equipment failures, or exposure to hazardous substances. Workers who suffer permanent physical impairments due to such accidents may be entitled to compensation for bodily injury. ​
• Mental Health Injuries: The CNESST recognizes psychological impairments resulting from workplace stress, harassment, or violence. Workers suffering from permanent psychological impairments due to their employment may be eligible for compensation. ​
• Occupational Diseases: Conditions that develop over time due to workplace exposures, such as respiratory ailments, hearing loss, or musculoskeletal disorders (e.g., tendinitis, bursitis), are covered. Workers diagnosed with occupational diseases linked to their work environment can file claims for compensation. ​
• Fatal Injuries: In the unfortunate event of a worker’s death resulting from a work-related accident or occupational disease, the CNESST provides death benefits to the surviving spouse and children.

In all these cases, eligible workers or their beneficiaries can submit claims for benefits, which may include compensation for loss of earnings, medical care, and rehabilitation services. ​

Workplace injuries: Can you claim compensation?

How Soon Must a Workplace Injury Be Reported?

In Quebec, workers must report any work-related injury as soon as possible, and no later than 6 months from the date of the injury. Timely reporting is crucial, as delays can affect eligibility for compensation benefits. ​

Immediate Steps Following an Injury:

• Seek Medical Attention: If the injury requires medical care, consult a healthcare professional immediately. Prompt treatment ensures proper care and provides necessary medical documentation for your claim.​
• Notify Your Employer: Even if the injury seems minor, inform your employer without delay. Early reporting helps document the incident and safeguards your rights to potential compensation.​

Occupational Diseases:

For injuries or illnesses that develop over time due to workplace conditions (occupational diseases), report them to the CNESST as soon as you become aware of the connection between your work and the medical condition. The 6-month reporting period begins when:​

• A healthcare professional diagnoses the illness.​
• You recognize the probable link between your illness and your work.

Special Considerations:

For employment injuries resulting from sexual violence, you have 2 years from the date of the injury or from when you became aware of the occupational disease to file a claim.

Why is Timely Reporting Crucial?

• Ensures Prompt Medical Care: Timely reporting helps secure immediate treatment, preventing complications.
• Prevents Delays in Compensation: Early reporting speeds up the claims process, ensuring timely compensation and wage-loss benefits.
• Supports Eligibility for Services: Quick reporting ensures workers can access medical services and rehabilitation.
• Improves Workplace Safety: Reporting injuries promptly allows for investigation and prevention of future accidents.
• Complies with Legal Requirements: Timely reporting ensures adherence to compensation laws and protects workers’ rights.

Steps to Report a Workplace Injury to the CNESST

Reporting a workplace injury to the CNESST is crucial for ensuring accurate records and timely compensation. Prompt reporting of a workplace incident initiates the claim process, allowing workers to access medical care, compensation benefits, and support. Following the correct steps ensures the claim is processed smoothly and efficiently. Here are the key steps you must take when reporting a workplace injury:

1.Inform Your Employer

The first step in the reporting process is to inform your employer about the incident. This should be done as soon as the injury occurs, even if it does not require immediate medical care. The employer is responsible for ensuring that the incident report is filled out and that proper aid treatment is provided. If you need to go to a medical facility, your employer should cover the cost of transportation, such as an ambulance or taxi.

2.Seek Medical Attention

After informing your employer, seek treatment from a health care provider. Your employer may require a medical certificate to validate your injury. The certificate will help in filing your worker’s claim with CNESST. The healthcare provider will also determine the nature of injury and whether it requires ongoing treatment.

3.Submit the Injury Report Form

Within 6 months of the accident or the diagnosis of an occupational disease, you must complete the Application for Compensation and Report of Injury form. This can be done via the MonEspace CNESST online service. Ensure that all details, including injury claim forms, medical treatment records, and any supporting documents, are included in your submission.

4.Complete the Accident Report

In Quebec, all workplace accidents and incidents must be documented in the Register of Accidents, Incidents, and First Aid, regardless of severity. This record helps identify hazards and improve workplace safety.

For serious incidents, such as critical injuries, explosions, hazardous substance releases, or fatalities, a detailed accident report is required. Employers must immediately notify the CNESST if:

• A worker suffers a serious injury, such as a traumatic amputation.
• Multiple workers are injured and require time off.
• The incident causes significant property damage.
• The accident results in a worker’s death.

Timely and accurate reporting is essential for compliance, workplace safety, and ensuring proper support for injured workers.

5.Follow Medical Care Instructions

After your injury, you must continue to follow the advice and treatment plan provided by your health professional. You may be required to attend follow-up medical examinations as requested by CNESST or your employer. If you fail to comply with treatment recommendations or miss required medical examinations, your claim for benefits could be delayed or denied.

6.Keep Your Employer Updated

If your condition worsens or prevents you from returning to work, it is crucial to inform your employer immediately. If you are unable to resume your duties, your employer is responsible for providing wage-loss benefits and may offer temporary assignments or modified work to support your recovery until you are fully healed.

How can I file a claim with the CNESST for a work accident or occupational illness?

What Happens After the Injury is Reported?

Once you have submitted your report of injury and all necessary documentation, the CNESST will review your case and make an initial entitlement decision. This decision will determine if you are eligible for compensation benefits such as medical care, rehabilitation, and wage-loss compensation.

The CNESST will also assess the severity of the injury and decide if the injury qualifies as a work-related disease or an occupational illness. If you are unhappy with the decision, you have 90 days to contest the decision with the CNESST.

Consequences of Late Reporting

Failing to report a workplace injury within the prescribed time limits in Quebec can result in the loss of eligibility for compensation and services. Workers are generally required to file a claim with the CNESST within six months from the date of the injury or from the moment they recognize the link between their work and an occupational disease. However, there are exceptions. Victims of workplace sexual violence have up to two years to file a claim.

For critical injuries such as loss of sight, fractures, or severe burns, immediate reporting is crucial to ensure timely medical care and to initiate the claims process without delay. Delayed reporting can complicate the compensation process and impact access to financial and medical support. By adhering to the required timelines, workers can protect their rights and secure the benefits they need for recovery.

What are the important deadlines to respect during a CNESST dispute?

Hire a CNESST Lawyer to Handle Your Claim on Time

At Accident Solution, our CNESST lawyers are dedicated to helping victims of workplace injuries navigate the legal complexities of their claims. We offer professional guidance throughout the entire process, from reporting the incident to ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.

Our team works tirelessly to protect your rights, ensuring accurate records, timely reporting, and a smooth claim process. With our support, you can focus on your recovery while we handle the legal details for you!

Contact us