Family Services and Labour
Worker Advisor Fact Sheets
Workers Compensation Board provides P.P.I. awards when a worker has suffered a permanent loss of function or disfigurement as a direct result of a workplace injury.
- How are awards paid?
- What is the dollar amount value?
- How are impairment ratings assessed?
- When are impairment ratings done?
- What can I appeal?
- After January 1, 1992 awards are now paid in lump sum payments as a result of a change in legislation.
- In workplace injuries prior to January 1, 1992, the awards are paid to the worker in the form of a monthly award.
Impairment awards after January 1, 1992 under Section 38(2) of the Workers Compensation Act states when an injured worker has suffered a permanent rateable impairment as a result of a compensable accident they will receive the following:
- 1% or greater but less than 30%: $1,030. for each full 1% of impairment
- 30% or greater: $30,900. plus $1,240. for each full 1% of impairment in excess of 30%
Amounts increase due to annual indexing.
The sum payable shall be reduced by 2% for each year of age the worker is over 45 years at the time the WCB determines the worker has an impairment, but the reduction shall not exceed 40%.
A worker is examined by a Workers Compensation physician, who tests for range of motion and/or functional capacity (ability to hear, see, etc.). The results of this examination determine the percentage according to a schedule approved by the WCB Board of Directors. (For example: the loss of the tip of the index finger would be a 2% impairment rating, while losing sight in both eyes would be a 100% impairment rating).
Some impairments can be rated fairly quickly when the condition stabilizes (minimum one year after injury or surgery). In other cases, however, rating must be delayed until such time that the loss is established to be permanent.
If a percentage rating is done by the WCB physician, 24 months elapse and the condition has become worse, the worker can request another assessment for an impairment rating by the WCB physician.
Reassessments may result in increases, decreases or remain the same.
All decisions are appealable, however, before proceeding, it is recommended that a worker have medical evidence to support that their rating should be increased.
