The OWA's mandate, under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, is to provide free and confidential services (advice, education, and representation) to non-unionized injured workers and their survivors.

Unionized workers are not eligible to receive our services and should contact their respective unions for assistance.

For more information in determining whether you are considered "unionized", please see OWA Fact Sheet 1(b) called Getting Help from the Office of the Worker Adviser.

The OWA provides the following free services to non-unionized injured workers:

• summary advice
  
  
• assistance in meeting time limits for appeals
  
  
• self-help materials and instruction, and
  
  
• representation on appeals
  

If you are a unionized injured worker, the OWA can:

• advise you of any relevant time limits for action in your case, and
  
  
• refer you back to your union for assistance.