SafeCare BC Logo
SafeCare BC Logo
Resources & Tools

Resources and Tools

View All
The Home Care and Community Health Support Pocketbook was created to bring awareness to several health and safety issues faced in home and community care.
Files Attached
View Toolkit
In long-term care it is increasingly apparent that who is on shift is just as important as how many staff are on shift. Quality care is difficult to achieve when we do not routinely engage with one another in a positive, or civil, manner.
View Toolkit
Safety A-Z
Programs & Services

Programs and Services

View All
Register
Leading from the Inside Out
Leading from the Inside Out waitlist
Our Programs
Leading from the Inside Out provides a safe space for leaders in continuing care to share their challenges and learn self-care practices.
View Service
The Provincial Violence Prevention Curriculum is recognized as best-practice in violence prevention training for health care workers.
View Service
Guidelines & Regulations

Guidelines and Regulations

View All
The Province has introduced a new masking policy for all healthcare workers who provide direct care effective immediately. Staff Requirements Visitor Guidance With an increase in viral respiratory illnesses (VRI) across the province, the Ministry of Health has introduced new masking measures to help control the spread of these illnesses. It's important to remember that […]
View News Story
Staff Requirements Visitor Guidance With an increase in viral respiratory illnesses (VRI) across the province, the Ministry of Health has introduced new masking measures to help control the spread of these illnesses. It's important to remember that masking is just one part of a comprehensive infection prevention and control (IPAC) strategy. To enhance your efforts, […]
View News Story
Guidelines and Regulations
Regulatory News
Info Sheet

Communicating with injured workers

A quick reference guide for managers and supervisors with information on communicating with employees who are injured.

A quick reference guide for managers and supervisors

Initial contact (within 24-48 hours)

DO:

  • Express genuine concern: "I'm calling to see
  • how you're doing."
  • Use active listening and acknowledge the worker's feelings.
  • Confirm that medical care has been received.
  • Ask about preferred contact method.
  • Set the next check-in time.

DON’T:

  • Discuss fault or liability.
  • Press for return date.
  • Discuss claim details (unless the worker’s incident information hasn’t been provided).
  • Minimize the injury.
  • Dismiss emotional concerns—recognize that injuries impact both physical and mental well-being.
  • Communicate if you are involved original injury claim (e.g. bullying) - delegate someone else to communicate.

Key phrases to use:

  • "How are you feeling?"
  • "What support do you need?"
  • "We're here to help."
  • "Take the time you need to recover."
  • "Let me know if anything changes."
  • "If you're feeling overwhelmed, please let us know how we can support you."
  • "Injuries can be challenging—please let us know how we can support you."

Timeline:

  • Week 1: Every 2-3 days.
  • Weeks 2-4: Weekly.
  • Beyond 4 weeks: Bi-weekly.
  • Always: Adjust to employee preference and communication method (phone, text, email).

Handling difficult conversations

  • If an employee is frustrated: "I can see this situation is difficult. How can we make things easier for you?"
  • If an employee is worried about job security: "Your health is the priority. We're here to support your recovery and return to work when you're ready."
  • If an employee seems withdrawn or isolated: "Would you like to stay connected with a co-worker or receive team updates?"

Document every contact

  • Date and time.
  • Communication method.
  • Key points discussed.
  • Next steps.
  • Follow-up date.

*Note: Some of the tasks may be done by your HR department or EDMP

Return-to-work basics

  • Provide employee with return-to-work package/forms.
  • Review medical limitations.
  • Discuss suitable temporary modified work.
  • Develop and document a gradual return to work plan.
  • Set check-in schedule.
  • Coordinate with human resources.
  • Follow up after the first day/week back to ensure a smooth transition.
  • Monitor and maintain regular communication after the employee has returned to full duties.
Downloads
Communicating with injured workers
A quick reference guide for managers and supervisors with information on: - Dos and Donts - Key phrases to use - Communications timelines - Handling difficult conversations - Return-to-work basics - And more...
Download
4.6MB
Communicating with injured workers

Additional Resources

Whether you are developing or re-evaluating your injury management program, this guide for developing and implementing an injury management program (also referred to as a recover-at-work or return-to-work program) for workers who have experienced a work-related physical or psychological injury, illness, or occupational disease.
Files Attached
View Program Manual
Editable Word templates for the tools found in employers' injury management program manual.
Files Attached
View Template
In this session, participants will learn about a real-life WorkSafeBC case study where a long-term care home resident exhibited challenging behaviour that resulted in unintended physical injuries to a Healthcare Assistant (HCA). After recovering from their physical injuries, the HCA continued to experience health challenges related to PTSD and mental health. This case study chronicles […]
View Webinar
The session will highlight two amendments made to the Worker’s Compensation Act and provide an overview of the new legal requirements for both employers and workers.
View Webinar

More Info Sheets

Workplace psychological health and safety is about cultivating an environment where employees are respected, protected from mental harm, and supported–ensuring their well-being is prioritized alongside productivity. It means fostering a culture where work enhances, rather than diminishes, mental health.
Files Attached
View Info Sheet
Provided by Road Safety At Work, this document informs Home Care and Community Care workers with ways to stay safe while driving in the winter.
Files Attached
View Info Sheet
A quick reference guide for managers and supervisors with information on communicating with employees who are injured.
Files Attached
View Info Sheet
Browse by Resource Type

Resources Related to ,

Editable Word templates for the tools found in employers' injury management program manual.
Files Attached
View Template
Understand the new WorkSafeBC legislation around the duty to cooperate and maintain employment for injured workers.
Files Attached
View Presentation
Files Attached
View Toolkit
This video shares the journeys of two Coast Mountain Bus Company (CMBC) workers through the company's innovative Recover at Work Centre. CMBC, with the support of WorkSafeBC, created this centre to help workers remain at work after an occupational injury, understanding that the sooner workers can return to work safely the sooner they can get back to life.
View Video
SafeCare BC Logo
©2025 SafeCare BC | All rights reserved.
We strive to empower those working in the continuing care sector to create safer, healthier workplaces by fostering a culture of safety through evidence-based education, leadership, and collaboration.
cross