I was recently injured at work and had to miss several weeks of work that I was not compensated for. What can be done to ensure that we can receive financial assistance when injured on the job?

This, of course, is a real concern to the ODAA, as we know that approximately 12% of our membership is insured under the Workers Safety Insurance Board (WSIB). WSIB insurance is relatively cheap, and you should encourage your employer to provide it. When not covered under this or disability insurance, dental assistants injured at work must apply for Employment Insurance sick leave, which will provide benefits up to 55% of your weekly earnings for a maximum of 15 weeks.

If the injury lasts longer, dental assistants may have to take legal action in order to take care of themselves. No one really wants to do this, so employers should ensure that their employees are well cared for by providing either WSIB or other disability coverage.

Should you get injured on the job, please contact Judy Melville at the ODAA office for some assistance.