Kim McDonnell

The employer appealed a Case Manager's decision denying Second Injury and Enhancement Fund (SIEF) cost relief following a worker's electrocution-type injury.

The worker developed complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) after the incident.

The employer argued the accident was minor and that the worker's pre-existing Raynaud's disease and tendinosis prolonged recovery.

The Appeals Resolution Officer found the accident was of moderate severity and that the pre-existing conditions did not cause the accident or prolong the worker's recovery.

The employer's objection was denied.

The worker, a laundry aide, appealed the WSIB's decision denying entitlement for a right rotator cuff tear and limiting entitlement to a right shoulder and biceps strain.

The worker felt a pop in their shoulder while hanging laundry above shoulder level.

The Appeals Resolution Officer allowed the appeal, finding that the worker's job duties contributed to the wear and tear on their rotator cuff and that the specific incident caused the tear.

The Officer relied on medical opinions from an occupational medicine specialist, concluding the worker met the criteria for a disablement injury.

The worker appealed the Eligibility Adjudicator's decision denying initial entitlement for bilateral wrist tenosynovitis.

The worker claimed the injury resulted from repetitive typing and increased work hours.

The Appeals Resolution Officer found that the worker's increased hours (from 40 to 70 hours in one week) constituted a significant contributing factor to the gradual onset injury.

The appeal was allowed and initial entitlement was granted.