What are the different types of work related injuries/illnesses?

Sudden Onset Injuries (Chance Events) : An example of a sudden onset injury is the Worker is all right one moment and injured the next. The cause of the injury is known. Entitlement to compensation in these cases depends on whether or not the injury “arose out of and in the course of employment”

Gradual Onset Injuries (Disablements) : These type of injuries include repetitive strain injuries, injuries from unaccustomed workloads, injuries, and disease that result from workplace substance exposures, heart attacks, disabilities caused by heat or by cold to name a few.

There is no limit to the number of ways that people can become injured as a result of work. In some of these cases, the injuries come on while the worker is still on the job. In other cases, there can be many years of delay, or latency, between the workplace exposure to hazards and the onset of disability.

Recurring Injuries : Workers who have been off work on Workers’ compensation will often return to work for a period of time and then once again be forced to leave work when the old injury flares up. These Workers will want to claim benefits for the new period of disability.

Secondary Conditions : Workers who suffer a secondary condition as a result of the original compensable injury or treatment, is entitled to benefits. Secondary medical conditions could include, injuries due to the use of Board approved artificial appliances, complications of compensable treatment, adverse reaction to prescribed medications, and the effect of an altered gait on other weight-bearing joints.

Aggravation Basis : Workers with disabling injuries at work resulting directly from a pre-existing medical condition are compensable and benefits are generally paid until the injury heals.