How do I report a work accident?

General information, not legal advice. If you have a work accident, the CNESST says to notify your employer promptly, consult a health professional (who gives you a medical certificate), and then fill out the Worker's Claim. You have 6 months from the date of your accident to file your claim with the CNESST (2 years if the injury results from sexual violence). The employer also has obligations: provide first aid, record the event in the Register of accidents, incidents and first aid, and contact the CNESST promptly in certain serious cases. Each file is different: the CNESST decides whether your claim is accepted.

Key facts

Deadline for the Worker's Claim

6 months from the date of the accident. If the work injury results from sexual violence: 2 years.

Where to file the claim

Online, in MonEspace CNESST ("Réclamation du travailleur" service). The CNESST states that this service allows faster processing of the file.

Day of the accident

If the worker cannot work for the rest of the day, the employer must pay 100% of their wages for that day.

First 14 days of absence

The employer pays 90% of net wages for the days the worker would normally have worked; the CNESST reimburses this amount after the reimbursement request (ADR). After 14 days, the CNESST pays the indemnity from the 15th day of absence.

Employer: cases to report to the CNESST as soon as possible

Death; total or partial loss of a limb or its use, or major trauma; several workers injured who must be off work for more than one working day; property damage of $215,749 or more.

Accident outside Québec

The worker may have to choose between being compensated by the CNESST or by another body responsible for another compensation plan.

Steps

1. Notify your employer promptly of the accident, even if you do not need medical care. The employer must provide first aid and pay transportation costs if you must go to the hospital, the clinic or home.
2. See a health professional of your choice if you are injured. They give you a medical certificate, which you will need to make your claim.
3. If you cannot return to work the day after the accident, give the medical certificate to your employer. The employer must fill out the Employer's notice and reimbursement request online for your first 14 days of absence, send it to the CNESST and give you a copy.
4. Fill out the Worker's Claim, a service available in MonEspace CNESST. You have 6 months from the date of the accident (2 years if the injury results from sexual violence). Also give a copy of your claim to your employer.
5. Send the CNESST all relevant documents, such as your medical certificate, receipts and prescriptions.
6. Attend the requested medical examinations, follow the prescribed treatments and inform the CNESST of any change in your situation (health, move, return-to-work date).
7. If you are the employer: provide first aid, record the accident in the Register of accidents, incidents and first aid, and contact the CNESST as soon as possible in the listed cases (death, loss of a limb or major trauma, several workers injured who must be off work for more than one working day, property damage of $215,749 or more).
8. If you are the employer: pay 100% of the wages for the rest of the day of the accident, pay the income replacement indemnity for the first 14 days, then make your reimbursement request using the Employer's notice and reimbursement request (ADR). Also help the worker fill out their claim.

General information drawn from official sources. It does not replace legal, medical or financial advice. For your situation, contact the organization concerned or a professional.