Note: The information below refers to a program that is no longer in effect.

Registering with the
Workplace Safety and Insurance Board

Who Needs It? You Do.

by Ann Garland, WSIB

All construction businesses in Ontario must register with the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) within 10 days of hiring the first full or part-time worker. It’s the law – and it’s there to protect your workers and to safeguard your business. That includes workers who are family members or sub-contractors.

Sub-contractors who employ workers or helpers must also register with the WSIB. If your sub-contractor hires workers and fails to register, you may be held liable for any unpaid WSIB premiums and for the cost of any injuries. A Clearance Certificate demonstrates the sub-contractor is registered with the WSIB and has an account in good standing.

A sub-contractor who does not have workers or helpers may be classified by the WSIB as a worker or an independent operator, depending on the circumstances. Until the WSIB makes this decision you, as the principal contractor, may be held responsible for paying premiums on the earnings of the sub-contractor.

Out-of-province businesses that operate in Ontario and meet certain conditions, such as employing Ontario workers, are required to register. Contact the WSIB for more information.

Private insurance coverage is not a legal substitute for businesses that are required to insure under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act. Independent operators, owners, partners and executive officers, however, are not automatically covered. Please ask about Optional Insurance coverage from the WSIB.

By registering with the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board, you get:

• Access to health and safety training and resources specific to your industry, which can help you prevent injuries and illness before they cost you money.
• Insurance benefits for your workers for work-related injury and illness, covering lost wages, payment of health care costs, and help with the worker’s early and safe return to work.
• Protection from worker lawsuits for work-related injury or illness. This means that injured workers cannot sue their employer.

Failing to register with the WSIB can result in steep fines and serious penalties, including charges under the Provincial Offences Act.

If you didn’t know you needed to register, coming forward to register now under the WSIB’s Voluntary Registration Program can give you a fresh start. Any employer who contacts the WSIB to register voluntarily will only need to pay retroactive premiums from the date you first employed workers or 12 months, whichever is less. We will waive premiums beyond 12 months and the WSIB will not pursue penalty, interest and provincial offence charges. But act quickly!

The insurance premium you pay is based on the nature of your business activity, the size of your payroll, and your accident experience. Businesses doing similar activities, with similar injury risks, share the same premium rate per $100 of insurable payroll. There are 12 different rate groups in Ontario’s construction industry. Premium rates are available on the WSIB Web site (www.wsib.on.ca). The best way to keep your workplace insurance and related costs down is to operate a safe business.

It’s easy. Just contact the WSIB office nearest you or download a registration form from the WSIB’s Web site, complete and mail it in. You will be asked to describe the type of construction business you operate in order to determine your premium rate group. You will also be asked for an estimate of your yearly payroll, to determine how often you’ll need to report and pay premiums. Once registered, you will receive an information kit for you and your workers.

Keep your workers and business safe by registering with the WSIB. It’s an investment in your workers and extra protection for the investment you’ve made in your business. It’s also the law.