Student Unpaid Placement Safety and Accident Reporting Information

Students participating in unpaid work placements as part of their academic program at Lakehead University may be eligible for workplace insurance coverage through the Ministry of Colleges and Universities (MCU) or Chubb Insurance. The type of coverage depends on the nature of the placement and the funding model of the program.

Please read the following information carefully to understand your responsibilities and the process for ensuring appropriate coverage and reporting.

 Need to report an injury during your Unpaid Placement?  Click here.

 

Health and Safety at Your Placement

Lakehead University is committed to ensuring that all students have access to safe and supportive placement environments. While on placement, students have the right to a safe and healthy workplace.  

If the placement takes place in Ontario, the students are considered workers while on placement and are therefore covered by the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA). The Placement Employer is responsible for ensuring all OHSA requirements are met and to take every reasonable precaution to protect the student's health and safety. The Training Agency (Lakehead University) has a similar duty of care and must take precautions to ensure student safety. 

Some of the precautions that must be taken prior to the placement commencement include: 

Mandatory H&S Training

Students must complete mandatory training before their placement. Follow any direction provided by your Placement Coordinator to ensure you have completed all mandatory training through our online training platform.  Our training platform is found at:  Mycourselink Homepage

Job Specific Training

 

Placement hosts must also provide any additional job-specific safety training.  This includes:

 

  • The right to be informed of workplace hazards.

  • The right to receive proper safety training and supervision.

  • The right to refuse unsafe work without fear of reprisal.

 

If you have concerns about safety at your placement, contact your placement coordinator or the Health and Safety Office immediately. Your safety is a priority, and all placement partners are expected to comply with applicable health and safety legislation.

 

Insurance Coverage for Students on Unpaid Work Placements

MCU-Eligible Programs (WSIB Coverage)

Students participating in unpaid work placements that are part of MCU-eligible programs and serving placement in Ontario at an employer covered by the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act are covered by the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) through the Ministry. This coverage applies only to unpaid placements that are a requirement of the student’s academic program and meet the criteria outlined by the MCU.

A completed and signed Student Declaration of Understanding of WSIB or Private Insurance Coverage form must be submitted before the placement begins.

Non-MCU Programs (Chubb Insurance)

Students participating in unpaid work placements that are part of MCU-eligible programs and serving placement in Ontario at an employer who is not covered by the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act are covered by Chubb insurance provided through the Ministry. These placements must be approved by the university, and the same documentation is required.

If you are unsure about your eligibility, please contact your department’s placement coordinator.

 

 

Before Your Placement Begins

Before starting an unpaid placement, students must:

 

  • Confirm with their academic program whether the placement is MCU-eligible.
  • Complete the Student Declaration of Understanding form (WSIB/Chubb).
  • Submit the form to their department’s placement coordinator.
  • Receive confirmation that insurance coverage is in place.

 

 

In the Event of a Workplace Injury

If a student is injured during an unpaid work placement:

  • Seek medical attention immediately if needed.

  • Notify the placement supervisor at the host organization as soon as possible.

  • Submit an LU Student Placement Injury Report using the Accident Report Form within 24 hours of the incident.

  • You will need the following information to complete your report:

  • Placement agency's accident report

  • Signed Ministry Claim Form (You must download this file and open outside of a browser to view)

  • Signed Letter to Placement Employers (This was provided to you at the beginning of the academic year by your placement coordinator).

  • Contact your placement coordinator and/or LU’s Health and Safety Office for further guidance.

 

Prompt reporting is essential to ensure appropriate insurance claims can be filed in accordance with WSIB or Chubb requirements.

 

Forms and Resources

Contact Us

For questions or concerns about your unpaid placement, insurance coverage, or workplace safety, please contact:

Health, Safety & Wellness Office
Lakehead University
📞 807-343-8010 ext. 8671 or ext. 8806
📧 trmoore@lakeheadu.ca