Office of the Workers Advisor (OWA)

ABOUT THE OFFICE OF THE WORKERS’ ADVISOR 

The Office of the Workers’ Advisor (OWA) provides advice, advocacy, representation, and support for injured workers in Newfoundland and Labrador. 

All services are provided free of charge. 

As an independent organization serving injured workers and their families since 1993, we are committed to helping you navigate the workers’ compensation system with dignity and respect. 

Our Commitment to You 

We are dedicated to providing professional, compassionate, and effective support to injured workers who contacts our office. Our service standards reflect our commitment to excellence and our respect for your rights. 

Services Provided 

The OWA provides support at no cost to injured workers, including: 

• Information: We explain the workers’ compensation process and injured workers’ rights; 

• Advice: We help injured workers understand their options and make informed decisions; 

• Communication Assistance: We help injured workers communicate effectively with WorkplaceNL; 

• Representation: We advocate for injured workers and can represent injured workers during internal and external appeals processes; and 

• Support and Counsel: We can provide guidance throughout an injured workers’ compensation process (internal and external appeals) 

Scope of Work 

OWA assists with workers’ compensation appeal matters, including but not limited to: 

• General inquiries about the workers’ compensation system; 

• Internal reviews and reconsideration requests; 

• Requests for external reviews and appeals; 

• Representation at Workers Compensation Independent Review Board (WCIRB) hearings. 

Important Note: We can only provide support, advice, and counsel on matters directly related to your Workers’ Compensation claim/appeal. While we are here to help you navigate the workers’ compensation system, our expertise and mandate are limited to issues arising from your claim with WorkplaceNL. 

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES 

This is Your Appeal: It is important to understand that this is your appeal, and you are the primary participant in the process. The Office of the Workers’ Advisor is here to assist, support, and advocate for you, but we cannot take over your case entirely. 

Throughout the appeals process, there will be steps that require your direct involvement. You may/will need to: 

• Contact WorkplaceNL: You will need to communicate directly with your case manager or other WorkplaceNL representatives; 

• Contact Healthcare Providers: You may need to request medical records, reports, or additional documentation from your doctors or other healthcare professionals; 

• Provide Information: You will need to supply us with documents, answer questions, and provide details about your claim and injury; 

• Attend Meetings: You may be required to attend meetings, hearings, or medical assessments; 

• Meet Deadlines: You must respond to requests for information in a timely manner to avoid missing appeal deadlines; and/or 

• Make Informed Decisions: While we provide advice and recommendations, you are ultimately responsible for making decisions about your case 

Active Participation: Your active participation and cooperation are essential to the success of your appeal. We are your partner in this process, but your engagement and timely response to requests are critical. 

Our Contact Information

Looking for WorkplaceNL? 

We are not WorkplaceNL, but we can direct you to them: 

Visit WorkplaceNL.ca 
(709) 778-1000 
info@workplacenl.ca