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The OFL The OF-ODRT provides six levels of workplace insurance and disability prevention training covering rights and obligations, benefits and representation, appeals and dispute resolution, return to work program, medical orientation and occupational disease. It also offers a variety of topical workshops and upgrading events for injured worker advocates and can customize courses for in-house delivery.

ODRT Multi-level Certifiate Courses

ODRT offers an introductory 12 hour course that provides an overview of Ontario's compensation system. Participants will learn about the history and evolution of workers’ compensation. Parts of the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act will be reviewed to give a clear understanding of what workers and employers are covered mandatorily under the compensation scheme. There will be detailed discussion regarding the legal definition of accident as well understanding what injuries are considered work-related. The Board’s legal tests that are applied in decision-making will be examined. Participants will review the statutory obligations of both workers and employers mandated by the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act. They will also learn what rights are provided by the legislation. Also included will be a review of Early and Safe Return to Work, the re-employment obligation and insight into the operations of the WSIB. Hands on experience interpreting and completing Board forms are included.

This 12 hour course provides participants with the knowledge of the benefits and services available and how to properly conduct themselves as representatives in the workers’ compensation system. Benefits and services will be explained in detail, including NEL, FEL, LOE, LMR and PPD. Participants will be shown how the Board calculates injured workers’ benefits. Short term and long term calculations will be explained so that participants understand what and when monetary items such as overtime are included in the worker’s earnings basis. Legislative and policy changes including Bills 162, 165, 15 and 99 will be discussed. Participants will gain an appreciation of the Board’s Service Delivery Model which will foster better interaction techniques. Participants will learn how to examine claim files and master the art of communication with physicians and Board staff. Hands on experience will be received through a series of exercises using a Board file. Pre-requisites are the Level 1 ODRT course or equivalency.

This is a 36 hour course designed to build on the knowledge of the previous 2 levels and provide the skills necessary to enable participants to become effective representatives in various dispute resolution schemes. Participants will be provided with an in-depth analysis of different dispute resolution strategies including Mediation, the Appeals Resolution model and at the Workplace Safety and Insurance Appeals Tribunal (WSIAT) level. Fundamental legal questions will be discussed. Experience working with evidence will be gained by preparing and presenting mock appeals at the Appeals Resolution Officer (ARO) and WSIAT level. Participants discuss the use of researching tools, gathering evidence, preparing witnesses, examinations, cross-questioning, preliminary issues and formal objections. Facilitators will provide a detailed and useful critique of each participant’s preparation and presentation skills. Pre-requisites are Level 1 and Level 2 ODRT courses or equivalency.

This 30 hour course is for those who work as or desire to work as Return to Work Specialists. The course focuses on the process of helping injured workers return to work as quickly and safely as possible, with dignity and job security. Topics include: identifying and overcoming barriers in the RTW process, determining essential duties, identifying and offering short term and long term suitable work, how to develop accommodation and job restructuring plans, worker obligations, disability related legal principles including the duty to accommodate, the employers’ obligation under legislation, contract language, RTW committees, Labour Market Re-entry services and RTW mediation. Graduates of this course will be prepared to immediately impact on re-employment at their individual workplaces. Their contributions can result in significant cost savings for the employer and the Board alike. Pre-requisites are Level I and II ODRT courses or equivalency.

This 30 hour WSIB Medical Orientation course is a comprehensive program designed to break down the barrier of communicating in 'medicalese". It will enable participants to understand the contents of medical reports and apply them to resolve entitlement issues in the workers’ compensation scheme. Specific work related injuries will be discussed with an in-depth look at how to prove a causal relationship. Participants will be taught how Non Economic Loss (NEL) assessments are performed and calculated. Participants will use mock medical reports and a series of exercises throughout the course to test their knowledge of skills learned. Pre-requisites are Level I and II plus either Level III or Level IV ODRT courses or equivalency.

This 36 hour level is designed for experienced compensation representatives. It will provide participants with a detailed knowledge of how to argue occupational disease claims. The course explores a wide range of specific diseases explaining the pathology, diagnostic tests and provides details on what criteria must be satisfied to have the specific issue allowed at the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) or the Workplace Safety and Insurance Appeals Tribunal (WSIAT). The course also provides a detailed explanation of epidemiology, legal principles, examining expert witnesses and survivor benefits. This course is an advanced level training that builds on the skills of participants who have completed both the Appeals and Dispute Resolution and Medical Orientation courses. Pre-requisites are Level I, II, and III plus Level V ODRT courses or equivalency.

 

Advocate Advisor Services

The ODRT is commited to training workplace representaives to be self-reliant in dealing with workplace insurance matters. In addition to providing comprehensive training ODRT also provides Advocate Advisor Services on a fee for service basis. The ODRT will team newly trained representatives with expereinced Advocates or staff to further develop their confidence and competence to dealing with complex case work