OWSIB 2026

The worker objected to a Case Manager's decision denying ongoing benefits for a right hip injury (femoroacetabular impingement and labral tear).

The worker had previously suffered a compensable left foot injury that altered their gait, leading to secondary low back and right hip issues.

The employer argued the hip condition was congenital and unrelated to the workplace accident.

The Appeals Resolution Officer applied the 'thin skull' doctrine, finding that the worker's pre-existing hip abnormality was asymptomatic prior to the accident and was exacerbated by the altered gait caused by the compensable injury.

The worker's objection was allowed, and entitlement to ongoing benefits for the right hip was granted.

The employer objected to the WSIB's decision granting the worker initial entitlement for a left-hand injury and psychotraumatic disability.

The worker suffered a partial hand amputation while using a table saw at work.

The employer argued the worker was engaged in an unauthorized personal project, removing themselves from the course of employment.

The Appeals Resolution Officer found that the worker's actions did amount to serious and wilful misconduct, as they were cutting wood for a personal project.

However, because the injury resulted in a serious impairment (partial amputation), entitlement was preserved under s. 17 of the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act.

The Officer also upheld entitlement for psychotraumatic disability, finding the worker's PTSD and Adjustment Disorder were a direct result of the traumatic physical injury and extended disablement.

The employer's objection was denied.

The worker's estate appealed a decision denying entitlement for an intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) and survivors' benefits.

The worker had previously suffered a workplace slip and fall resulting in soft tissue injuries and chronic pain.

Years later, the worker developed an IVH and passed away.

The estate argued that the medications prescribed for the workplace injuries contributed to the IVH.

The Appeals Resolution Officer relied on medical evidence indicating no positive association between the prescribed medications and the development of IVH.

The appeal was dismissed, as no causal relationship was established between the workplace injury or its treatment and the IVH, precluding entitlement to survivors' benefits.

The worker, a civilian police employee, appealed the denial of initial entitlement to benefits for chronic and traumatic mental stress injuries.

The worker developed post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol use disorder after repeatedly viewing graphic and traumatic body camera footage as part of their duties in the body camera analysis unit.

The Appeals Resolution Officer found that the repeated exposure to traumatic events constituted a substantial work-related stressor that was the predominant cause of the worker's PTSD.

The appeal was allowed in part, granting entitlement for the chronic mental stress injury and PTSD, but denying entitlement for the alcohol use disorder, which was found to be a pre-existing and non-compensable condition.

The worker appealed a decision denying entitlement to benefits for Asthma-Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Overlap Syndrome (ACOS).

The worker had a 28-year history of working in a plastics factory with exposure to dust, fumes, and chemicals, alongside a significant smoking history.

While initial WSIB hygiene assessments found exposures below the threshold for COPD, a subsequent Occupational Medical Consultant opinion concluded that occupational exposures could not be ruled out as a material contributor to the ACOS diagnosis.

The Appeals Resolution Officer allowed the appeal, finding that the workplace exposures made a material contribution to the development and progression of the worker's ACOS.

The employer appealed a Case Manager's decision granting the worker entitlement to right shoulder arthroscopic capsular release surgery.

The employer argued that the worker's adhesive capsulitis was caused by a COVID-19 vaccine booster rather than the initial workplace lifting injury.

The Appeals Resolution Officer found that the medical evidence, including reports from the treating orthopaedic surgeon, supported that the condition was a posttraumatic adhesive capsulitis related to the workplace injury.

The employer's appeal was denied and entitlement to the surgery was confirmed.

The worker appealed a decision denying her entitlement to benefits for occupational fumes exposure.

She alleged that she developed a sore throat, sinus issues, and headaches after being exposed to caustic fumes from a malfunctioning soaker machine at work.

The employer argued there was no evidence of exposure and relied on an air monitoring study showing normal levels.

The Appeals Resolution Officer allowed the appeal, finding that documentary evidence corroborated the worker's account of a leaking valve and an open industrial curtain.

The air monitoring study was given little weight as it was conducted after corrective actions were taken.

The worker was granted entitlement to benefits for caustic fume inhalation and loss of earnings for the time missed to seek medical attention.

The worker suffered a compensable bilateral shoulder injury and requested maintenance treatment after reaching maximum medical recovery.

A Nurse Consultant denied the request, finding it clinically unnecessary.

On appeal, the Appeals Resolution Officer allowed the objection in part, granting a one-year trial of physiotherapy or chiropractic maintenance treatment to determine if it would reduce the worker's reliance on opioid medication.

Requests for massage therapy and acupuncture were denied.