What is the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board WSIB?

The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board WSIB is an independent trust agency operating under the Ministry of Labour. WSIB provides no-fault liability insurance and workers’ compensation to Ontario’s workplaces.

Employers registered with the WSIB pay monthly premiums as they would any other insurance policy. For employers, these premiums go towards protecting you in the event a worker suffers an injury in a workplace accident. This collective liability insurance gives employers peace of mind knowing they’re generally protected from being sued by an injured worker.

Workers injured in a workplace accident are entitled to receive benefits paid out by the WSIB, including healthcare coverage and loss of earnings benefits. The WSIB can also assist both employers and workers when it’s time for an injured employee to return to work.

Businesses required to register with the WSIB

Most businesses in Ontario are required to register with the WSIB within 10 days of hiring their first employee. WSIB coverage is mandatory for certain businesses, such as 

  • Restaurants/bars;
  • Sales and services;
  • Manufacturing;
  • Trucking and transportation; and
  • Homeowners and private residents who hire domestic employers such as nannies, babysitters, and gardeners who work more than 24 hours a week.

There are a few exceptions. Types of businesses that are not legally required to register with the WSIB include banks, insurance companies, barbers or hair salons (with exceptions), private schools or daycares, travel agencies, and several others.

However, many employers in these industries still choose to register with the WSIB to ensure their workers are fully protected. If you’re not sure whether you’re legally required to register with the WSIB give us a call and we can advise.

WSIB for small businesses

Small businesses and startups often rely on the WSIB to provide financial security in the event of a workplace accident. If you are not sure if you should register, give our friendly health and safety experts a call today and we can point you in the right direction.

Employer responsibilities under WSIB

Employers have a number of responsibilities under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board. In addition to registering within the first 10 days of hiring the first employee, employers must:

Provide first aid 

If the worker requires treatment from a healthcare professional, you must transport the worker to a medical facility and pay the costs of transportation. 

Report incidents 

Employers must report a workplace injury or illness to the WSIB, using WSIB Form 7, within three days of learning about it if – a worker needs more than first aid and/or is absent from work, earns less than regular pay, and/or requires modified work at regular pay for more than seven calendar days. A copy of the injury/illness report must also be provided to the injured employee, who must fill out and submit Form 6 – Worker’s Report of Injury or Disease. 

Keep records 

Employers must investigate, keep records of the incident, and the steps taken to correct the issue.  

What if an employer fails to report an injury or illness? 

Employers may face penalties, and even prosecution, for not reporting, reporting late, not giving all the details requested, or discouraging a worker from reporting an injury or illness. 

Have questions about the WSIB and your employer obligations? Call us today.

Our workplace health and safety experts are happy to answer any questions you have about WSIB and other health and safety standards in Ontario. We’re available to small business employers at 1-888-216-2550.