Workers' Compensation — Quebec Claims Compliance

Key regulatory requirements, correspondence deadlines, and mandated forms for Workers' Compensation — Quebec (QC), Canada.

Workers' Compensation — Quebec

Quebec workers' compensation is administered by the CNESST (Commission des normes, de l'équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail). The Act respecting industrial accidents and occupational diseases (AIAOD/LATMP) and CNESST's operational forms govern claims correspondence.

Key Requirements

Acknowledgment

Worker must give notice of injury to employer before leaving the premises if possible, otherwise as soon as possible. Notice is sufficient if it correctly identifies the worker and describes the place and circumstances of the injury in ordinary language. Employer must help the worker give the notice.

Denial

CNESST must issue written decisions on claims. Workers may contest decisions through CNESST's internal review process and then to the Tribunal administratif du travail (TAT).

Mandated Forms

  • Worker's claim for benefits: Filed with CNESST
  • Medical certificate: Attending physician provides to worker, employer, and CNESST
  • Employer's report

Ordinary Language Requirement

The "ordinary language" standard for worker injury notices is one of the clearest content rules in the Quebec WC statute — workers do not need legal wording to report an injury.

Appeals

Workers may request a review of CNESST decisions, then appeal to the TAT (formerly CLP). Written decisions with reasons are required.