Ontario labour groups call for province’s ombudsman to investigate WSIB practices

TORONTO – A group headed by the Ontario Federation of Labour is alleging that the province’s Workplace Safety and Insurance Board systematically ignores the advice of medical professionals in order to limit otherwise legitimate injury claims.

The OFL and the Ontario Network of Injured Workers’ Groups say they are formally requesting a full investigation of the WSIB by Ontario Ombudsman Barbara Finlay.

They are basing their allegations on a report filed with the ombudsman last November and additional information gathered since then from more doctors and injured workers who responded to the original report.

The new filing with the ombudsman also includes recent decisions by the Workplace Safety and Insurance Tribunal that the OFL and its allies believe support their position.