The recently launched website of Health Professionals for Injured Workers (HPIW) https://www.hpiw.org/ is a call to action to Ontario’s doctors and other health professionals to share and address challenges in working with the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board. Addressing concerns outlined in the 2015 report “Prescription Over-Ruled: Report on How Ontario’s Workplace Safety and Insurance Board Systematically Ignores the Advice of Medical Professionals”, the organization’s goals include encouraging a more collaborative and respectful relationship between health providers and the Board, advocating for evidence-based compassionate healthcare for injured workers, and participating in improvements to workers’ compensation policy and law.
Already 50 health professionals strong, HPIW has submitted eight recommendations to the WSIB, dealing with how medical evidence should be weighed, the role of the treating physician and use of outside medical consultants, the need for early identification and intervention with psychological issues, and more [ read detailed recommendations]
Health professionals wishing to join the petition or get involved are encouraged to contact the organization.
(see also recent blog post on a new organization of hearing health care Professionals Fighting for Fairness for Injured Workers, challenging the Board’s noise-induced hearing loss policies)
Related reading:
- Kosny, Agnieszka et al. 2016 Dec. The Role of Healthcare Providers in the Workers’ Compensation System and Return to Work Process: Final Report. Toronto: Institute for Work and Health [and Feb. 7 Plenary presentation]