Glossary of Workers' Compensation Terms

GLOSSARY OF WORKERS' COMPENSATION TERMS
Act	Workers’ compensation legislation (e.g. Workers' Compensation Act).
Adjudication	The determination of entitlement under the Act.
Assessment or Premium	The charge imposed by the Workers’ Compensation Board/Commission on an employer to provide funds to pay benefits for work-related accidents and diseases.
Assessment Rate	The rate applied to determine the amount of money an employer pays the Workers’ Compensation Board/Commission. Based on the industry, a firm is assessed a set amount per $100 of assessable payroll.
Benefit	A payment or service available to an injured worker or a dependant in relation to a compensable injury or condition.
Board (Board of Directors)	The governing body of the corporate Workers’ Compensation Board/Commission. Also referred to as Board of Directors.
By Application	Voluntary or requested coverage for individuals or industries not compulsorily covered by the Act.
Claims Adjudication	The process that determines an injured worker’s or dependant’s entitlement to benefits and services under Workers’ Compensation legislation.
Claims Adjudicator	A specially trained employee of the Workers’ Compensation Board/Commission charged with determining initial and ongoing entitlement under the A
Class	An economic grouping of employers for rate determination and experience purposes.
Classification	A determination of an employer’s type of operation and industry designation.
Collective Liability	Where all employers in a class or other rate group are liable for the costs of any or all accidents and occupational diseases that occur in the operations of those employers.
Commute/ Commutation	The payment of a benefit by way of one amount (lump sum) rather than periodic payments of a lesser amount.
Compulsory Coverage	An employer’s operation/business (industry) that is stated as being included within the scope of the Act. Such an employer must pay assessments and whose workers are eligible for benefits if injured.
Coverage	When the Act applies to a worker or an undertaking.
Economic Loss	Future loss of earnings of a worker who has suffered an injury resulting in permanent impairment or temporary disability. See Permanent Disability Awards and Escalation Benefits.
Industry	A group of employers engaged in a unique type of undertaking. See Definitions.
Lost Time Injury	Those claims where there is a loss of earnings beyond the day of injury which is generally supported by medical documentation.
Lump Sum	A payment made in lieu of periodic payments which does not preclude further consideration.
No Lost Time Claims	Those claims where there are only medical aid expenses and no time (beyond the day of injury) is lost.
Non-Economic Loss / Impairment	Workers who suffer an injury resulting in permanent impairment may receive a monetary award for the loss of enjoyment of life. See Permanent Disability Awards and Escalation Benefits.
OAS	Old Age Security. Retirement benefits (pension) payable at age 65 to eligible persons under federal legislation.
OH&S	Occupational Health and Safety.
Pension	A periodic entitlement payable to a worker or that person’s dependants because of a compensable injury or occupational disease resulting in a permanent disability. This benefit is usually paid monthly for life or for the duration of the disability. This award is established by the WCB/Commission and in some jurisdictions is prorated based on the diminution of earning capacity. Under certain circumstances, the pension can be commuted to a lump sum payment.
Personal / Optional Coverage	Coverage for a sole proprietor, employer, independent operator (or contractor), partner, member of a family or other individual who does not enjoy the protection of the Act (coverage) unless they apply and the Board accepts. In some cases, this may also apply to an executive officer.
PPD/PTD	Permanent partial/total disability.
Rate	See Assessment Rate
Rate Group	See Industry, Class and Classification.
Regulation	Rules, procedures, amounts and details for operation of the Act.
Self-Insurer	An employer who is individually responsible for the costs of the injuries or diseases to his/her workers. This employer is not part of the collective liability pool. Also called deposit accounts and an individually liable employer.
Stakeholders	Individuals or groups who have a special interest - or stake - in the WCB. Includes injured workers, labour and employers organizations, health care professionals/providers and the general public.
Subrogation	Where the Workers’ Compensation Board/Commission is able to stand in the place of an injured worker, a dependant or an employer and jointly benefit from any rights or settlements obtained.
Survivor	A spouse, common-law partner or dependant of a worker who dies as a result of a workplace injury or disease.
TPD/TTD	Temporary partial/total loss of wages (disability) payments.
Under the Act	Where coverage or protection of the Act is applicable.
Unfunded Liability	The amount by which the present value of the Workers’ Compensation Board/Commission’s liabilities exceeds its assets.
Vocational Rehabilitation	A program designed to re-establish, as much as possible, a worker’s pre-accident earnings profile or maximum earnings potential.