WSIB announces changes to Labour Market Re-entry
New program focuses on quality training and sustainable jobs for injured workers
We are making significant changes to our Labour Market Re-entry (LMR) program.
After hearing from Ontario employers and injured workers who need help in returning to work, we will phase out the use of external LMR case managers. Instead, qualified WSIB staff will manage injured workers’ pathways to work.
Beginning later this year, we will integrate our LMR and Return to Work programs into a new Work Reintegration Program. The new program will:
- Maintain the relationship between the worker and original employer.
- Provide direct oversight by the WSIB for all re-training services for injured workers.
- Increase worker input and choice in their vocational goals.
- Make greater use of Ontario’s public education system for injured worker re-training.
- Provide workers with marketable skills and valid credentials.
The WSIB will recruit and train staff to deliver this new program. Qualified employees from the external LMR Service Providers will have the opportunity to participate in this recruitment.
Goals of Work Reintegration
The goals of Work Reintegration are to help injured workers return to decent, safe and sustainable jobs and to give Ontario’s employers more support from the WSIB to retain and re-train their injured employees. Getting value from the investment in injured worker re-training is important to workers, employers, the WSIB and Ontario’s economy.
“The WSIB is committed to helping injured workers return to work, and ensuring that employers see greater accountability and results for their funding,” says WSIB President and CEO David Marshall. The WSIB has received early support for the new Work Reintegration approach from both employer and worker stakeholders.
Visit our endorsements page to find out what they’ve had to say.
Facts
- Job rehabilitation has been available to injured workers since the 1930s
- Legislation in 1998 led to outsourcing Labour Market Re-entry case management to external service providers.
- An internal review and independent audit in 2009 identified the need to improve the effectiveness and accountability of injured worker re-training in Ontario.
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