WSIB Claims Management

What to do when an accident occurs

When a work related accident takes place, the Workplace Safety & Insurance Board (WSIB) must be contacted. If a company is non-compliant with the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act 1997 (WSIA), WSIB can take a variety of different actions including levying penalties and charges.

Employer’s failure to comply

WSIB policies are in place to ensure employers understand what offences can be brought up against them when they fail to comply with the WSIA, the actions that WSIB can take when an employer commits an offence or is suspected of committing an offence, and the penalties that may be imposed on the employer. As an employer, it’s imperative to understand the consequences that can occur if you don’t report an injury that happens at your place of business within the required timeline.

At the initial entitlement stage of a claim, the WSIB may levy a late reporting penalty. Additionally, separate penalties may be levied for:

• Incomplete reporting
• Not reporting on a pre-approved version of the required form, and
• Failing to provide a copy of Form 7 to the worker.

Because failure to comply with reporting obligations is an offence under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997, employers may be prosecuted. For further information, see 22-01-05, Offences and Penalties – General.

Who Needs to be Covered Under WSIB?

Employers who have business activities covered under Schedule 1, Part I and Schedule 2 of Ontario Regulation 175/98 (the regulation) require coverage.

An employer that is engaged in any of the business activities with non-mandatory coverage may apply for WSIB coverage under Schedule 1.

WSIB coverage provides employers with legal protection if a workplace injury occurs and provides injured workers with a variety of benefits and services.

WSIB COVID-19 Claims

Although the nature of some people’s work may put them at a much greater risk of contracting COVID-19, any claims received by WSIB will be adjudicated on a case-by-case basis, considering all associated facts.

If an employer believes an employee contracted the virus in the workplace, the employer has an obligation to report the exposure to WSIB, who will determine if it is a work-related claim. If you are unsure whether you should report a COVID-related claim, visit the WSIB FAQs page.

Costs Associated with the WSIB Process

All Schedule 1 businesses are required to pay WSIB premium rates. The revenue generated by these premiums is how the WSIB is funded. Although the premiums have been reduced slightly over the past five years, they can still add up.

Plus, there is the possibility of lost time and the chance of a similar injury occurring again if the issue isn’t dealt with as soon as possible.

HR Enable provides a complete and extensive claims management program that has been designed to help your company reduce and control the costs associated with WSIB claims while saving you time so you can focus on your business.

Other WSIB Related Services

Along with offering WSIB claims management, HR Enable provides training for managers and supervisors about how to deal with a claim from the time an accident occurs right up until the employee returns to their regular duties. Based on your company’s history of work-related injuries and industry, we can also offer a full analysis and solution to reduce costly accidents and protect your workforce and business.

Contact us today to learn more about how HR Enable can assist your company with WSIB costs and concerns.