Human Resources Legislative Update
Ontario Announces Financial Incentives For “Safe Employers”
Date: November 28, 2019
On November 22, 2019, the government of Ontario unveiled Supporting Ontario’s Safe Employers. This is an initiative which will formally recognize and provide financial incentives to employers who have successfully implemented an occupational health and safety management system in their workplace. Ontario’s Chief Prevention Officer will accredit successful employers.
The government states that this program is the first of its kind in Canada.
An estimated $140 million will be provided by the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) in the form of rebates over a three-year period. The program is open to any employer in Ontario, regardless of size or sector and the names of recognized employers will be posted on the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development’s website.
In conjunction with the new provincial program, the WSIB is launching Health and Safety Excellence, a new initiative that encourages employers without an existing health and safety program to develop one.
