The Office of the Workers’ Advisor (OWA)

Who Are We?

We are a free service that provides information on workers’ compensation to injured workers in Newfoundland and Labrador.

The OWA is not part of Workplace NL (formerly the Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission or WHSCC). We function under the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Labour.

We have been providing services at no charge to both unionized and non-unionized workers and/or their dependents since 1993.

Our offices serve the entire province. We have two Workers’ Advisors, one located in St. John’s and one located in Grand Falls-Windsor.

How We Can Help

The OWA can advise injured workers and/or their dependents of their rights and obligations under Workers’ Compensation legislation.

We can advocate on behalf of injured workers and/or their families with Workplace NL (formerly the WHSCC) and provide advice and assistance on both the Internal and External Review processes. We provide a communication channel between injured workers and/or their dependents and Workplace NL.

When to Contact Us

Contact us if:

  • You have an injury or illness you believe is work-related and you don’t know what to do.
  • Your claim has been denied or you are having a problem with your claim.
  • You have a question about a decision regarding your claim.
  • You want us to act on your behalf regarding your claim.
  • You want advice on how to request an Internal or External Review.
  • You don’t know what is required of you or your employer with respect to the Early and Safe Return to Work program.
  • You have a question regarding the legislation and policies of Workplace NL.
  • You are the dependent of a deceased claimant or potential claimant and you don’t know what to do.

Contact Our Advisors

ST. JOHN’S

Theresa Minnett

Phone: (709) 754-3927
Toll Free: 1-800-563-1998
Fax: (709) 754-3928
tminnett@nlfl.nf.ca

GRAND FALLS-WINSOR

John Reardon

Phone: (709) 489-9193
Toll Free: 1-877-489-9193
Fax: (709) 489-9194
jreardon@nlfl.nf.ca

Resources and Links

FORMS

Form 13 (Authorized Representative Consent Form)

  • Injured workers or their dependents (in case of death) must sign and return this form to our offices in order for our Worker Advisors to contact workers’ compensation and work on your behalf.
  • Completed forms can be faxed to (709) 754-1220, or mailed to P.O. Box 8597, St. John’s, NL, A1B 3P2.

LINKS

Workplace NL (formerly the Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission or WHSCC)

  • Find forms, legislation, and contact information
  • The phone number for Workplace NL/WHSCC is 709-778-1000 (local) or 1-800-563-9000 (toll free)

Canadian Association of Workers’ Advisors and Advocates

  • Resource for workers who were injured in another province or territory in Canada.
  • Each province or territory has separate legislation and policies for workers’ compensation.