How to File a WSIB Claim in Ontario: Step-by-Step Guide

Getting hurt or becoming ill because of work can be stressful. Filing a WSIB claim creates a record of what happened and allows the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) to decide whether you qualify for benefits and support. This guide explains the current filing process in plain language.

2026 quick answer: Tell your employer promptly, get medical care when needed, make sure your own worker report is submitted, keep copies of every record, and track the claim through WSIB online services. Your employer's report does not replace your account.

If you want support at any point, you can compare verified Ontario WSIB lawyers and paralegals on Claimit.

How Do You File a WSIB Claim in Ontario?

To file a WSIB claim in Ontario, report the workplace injury or illness to your employer, seek appropriate medical care, and submit your worker report to WSIB. Your employer and health professional may also submit reports. Keep your claim number and copies of all forms, medical information, messages, and decisions.

The three main reports have different purposes:

1. Worker's report (commonly called Form 6): gives WSIB your account of the injury or illness and how it affected your work.
2. Employer's report (Form 7): gives WSIB the employer's account and work-related details when reporting rules apply.
3. Health professional's report (Form 8): provides clinical and functional information from the treating health professional.

The Office of the Worker Adviser filing guide explains that workers should report the incident, seek health care when needed, complete and sign the worker report, and give a copy to the employer.

Step 1: Report the Injury or Illness and Get Medical Care

Tell your supervisor or employer about the injury or illness as soon as possible. Record when you reported it, who received the report, what you said, and any response. If you need treatment, tell the health professional that the condition is work-related so they can provide the appropriate information to WSIB.

An employer does not report every first-aid-only incident to WSIB. According to WSIB's current injury and illness reporting guidance, an employer must report when it learns that a worker needs health care, misses regular work, earns less than regular pay, or meets certain modified-work conditions. When reporting is required, WSIB must receive the complete employer report within three business days after the employer learns of the reporting obligation. The employer must also give the worker a copy.

An employer must report when the rules apply even if it disagrees that the condition is work-related. WSIB, not the employer, decides the claim. Review our Form 7 worker checklist when you receive the employer's copy.

Step 2: Complete and Submit Your Worker's Report

Your worker report lets you describe what happened in your own words. Include accurate dates, the task or exposure involved, affected body areas, symptoms, witnesses, medical care, missed time, and changes to your duties or pay. Review the consent section before signing, keep a complete copy, and give a completed copy to your employer.

WSIB's current online worker reporting form allows a worker to submit a workplace injury, illness, or exposure report online. Do not assume the employer's Form 7 has made your worker report unnecessary. Use our detailed WSIB Form 6 guide to prepare a clear, complete account.

Most workers must file a claim within six months of the date of injury. Occupational disease and some exceptional circumstances can involve different considerations, so contact WSIB or seek advice promptly if you are unsure whether a deadline applies.

Form 6 vs Form 7 vs Form 8

Report	Usually completed by	What it adds to the claim record
Worker's report / Form 6	Injured or ill worker	The worker's account, treatment, work impact, and signed consent
Form 7	Employer	The employer's account, earnings, lost time, and modified-work information
Form 8	Treating health professional	Clinical findings, treatment, and functional abilities information

These reports complement one another; none guarantees that WSIB will allow or deny the claim. For more detail about the medical report, read the Form 8 guide for injured Ontario workers. WSIB also publishes a current Form 8 guide for health professionals.

Step 3: Keep Evidence and Track Your Claim

Create a claim folder and keep records made close to the event. A practical evidence checklist includes:

• your incident notes, including dates, location, task, symptoms, and what happened next
• witness names and contact details
• photos, incident reports, schedules, and relevant workplace records
• medical records, treatment dates, and work restrictions
• emails, texts, and other employer communications
• complete copies of every submitted form and proof of submission
• your WSIB claim number
• every WSIB letter, message, request, and decision

Keep notes of calls and record what you sent, when you sent it, and how. Accurate records can help you respond if accounts differ or WSIB asks for more information.

What Happens After You File a WSIB Claim?

After WSIB opens a claim, it assigns a claim number and reviews the available reports and evidence. A WSIB decision-maker may contact you, your employer, or a health professional for more information. Respond promptly, but do not guess if you do not know an answer.

WSIB online services let registered users view claim information, send messages, and upload documents. Follow WSIB's document-submission guidance, use the claim number on later correspondence, and keep proof of each upload or message. A claim number confirms that a file exists; it does not confirm that the claim has been allowed.

If you want help organizing the claim record, you can start Claimit's intake process to share your situation with a verified WSIB representative.

How Long Do You Have to File a WSIB Claim?

The general worker claim deadline is six months from the date of injury. For an occupational disease, the timing may be connected to when the worker learned that the disease was work-related. Do not wait for the employer to file before protecting your own deadline.

File as soon as reasonably possible and keep proof of submission. If the deadline may have passed or you are unsure which date applies, contact WSIB or a licensed representative for guidance based on your circumstances.

What Should You Do If the Filing Becomes Disputed?

A filing can become disputed when an employer does not report, the employer's account differs from yours, or WSIB issues a decision you disagree with.

• If the employer does not report: submit your own worker report, preserve your evidence, contact WSIB, and follow the steps in our guide on what to do when an employer did not report an injury.
• If the employer disputes the facts: identify each disagreement clearly and send WSIB accurate supporting records. Do not alter the employer's Form 7 yourself.
• If WSIB issues an unfavourable decision: read the decision letter carefully. It states the objection deadline and the steps required. WSIB's guidance for disagreeing with a claim decision explains the Intent to Object process.

Objection deadlines can differ by issue. Use the exact date in the decision letter, and review our WSIB objection form and deadline guide. Filing an objection does not guarantee a particular outcome.

Common Filing Mistakes to Avoid

1. Waiting to report or file. Prompt reporting makes the timeline easier to understand and helps protect deadlines.
2. Assuming Form 7 replaces your report. Your employer's account is not your worker report.
3. Giving vague or incomplete details. Explain what happened in order and identify dates, tasks, symptoms, witnesses, and treatment.
4. Guessing or exaggerating. State what you know and distinguish facts from uncertainty.
5. Not keeping copies. Save submitted forms, receipts, claim messages, and decisions.
6. Ignoring requests or decision-letter deadlines. Respond promptly and calendar every deadline.

When Should You Get Help With a WSIB Claim?

Many workers file straightforward claims themselves. Consider speaking with a licensed WSIB lawyer or paralegal when the employer disputes the facts, the medical record is complex, a deadline may be at risk, WSIB asks for information you do not understand, or you receive a decision you may want to challenge.

A representative can review the record and explain options, but cannot promise an outcome. Claimit is a directory and matching platform, not a law firm and not a provider of legal advice. You can choose a verified WSIB representative if you decide that support would help.

Frequently Asked Questions About Filing a WSIB Claim

Can I file if my employer did not report the injury?

Yes. An employer's failure to report does not prevent you from making your own worker report. Contact WSIB, submit your account, and keep evidence of when you told the employer and what happened next.

What is the difference between Forms 6, 7 and 8?

The worker's report or Form 6 records the worker's account. Form 7 records the employer's account and work information. Form 8 is completed by the treating health professional and provides medical and functional information.

How long do I have to file a WSIB claim?

The general deadline is six months from the injury date. Different considerations may apply to occupational disease or exceptional circumstances. Confirm your deadline promptly if you are unsure.

What records should I keep after filing?

Keep all submitted forms and receipts, incident notes, witness details, medical records and restrictions, employer communications, your claim number, WSIB messages, and decision letters.

Can my employer fire or penalize me for filing a claim?

Ontario law includes protections against certain reprisals and also contains return-to-work and re-employment obligations in some circumstances. Whether a specific action breaches those rules depends on the facts. Preserve records and seek advice promptly if you believe you are being penalized for reporting an injury or pursuing a WSIB claim.

What should I do if WSIB denies or disputes my claim?

Read the decision letter, note its exact objection deadline, preserve the evidence, and consider whether to submit an Intent to Object. Seek help promptly if you do not understand the reasons, evidence, or deadline.