91 Results

FTR Now

An Update on WSIB Rate Framework Reform

· 4 min read

In March, 2015, the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (“WSIB”) proposed a new Rate Framework (“Proposed Framework”) which, if adopted, would fundamentally change the way the WSIB classifies Schedule 1 employers and sets their premium rates (see our FTR Nows of April 17, 2015 “WSIB Rate Framework Reform: Stakeholder Input Invited” and August 21, 2015 “An…

FTR Now

An Update on WSIB Rate Framework Reform

· 5 min read

In March 2015, the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (“WSIB”) released a preliminary Rate Framework (“Proposed Framework”) which, if adopted, would fundamentally change the way the WSIB classifies Schedule 1 employers and sets their premium rates (see our FTR Now of April 17, 2015 “WSIB Rate Framework Reform: Stakeholder Input Invited”). At the same time,…

FTR Now

On March 31, 2015, the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (“WSIB”) released a number of discussion papers which propose a preliminary Rate Framework which, if adopted, would fundamentally change the way the WSIB classifies Schedule 1 employers and sets its premium rates. Under the proposal, the Secondary Injury and Enhancement Fund (“SIEF”) and existing experience…

Human Resources Legislative Update

The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) has announced that minor revisions to the Operational Policy Manual documents 15-03-02, Traumatic Mental Stress and 15-03-14, Chronic Mental Stress are in effect as of March 1, 2024. As stated by the WSIB, the revisions are intended “to clarify the role of witness evidence in the adjudication of…

Human Resources Legislative Update

Following a recent stakeholder consultation, in February 2024 the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) published changes to its Appeals Practices and Procedures. The WSIB reports these changes will improve its “efficiency in providing timely, quality decisions and excellent customer service.” Some key changes include:

Human Resources Legislative Update

WSIB Publishes New Communicable Illnesses Policy

· 2 min read

Following public consultations, the Ontario Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) has published a new operational policy on communicable illnesses (Policy), which will become effective December 1, 2023. The Policy defines a communicable illness as “an illness resulting from infectious agents such as viruses, bacteria, and fungi.” In order to be entitled to benefits for…

Human Resources Legislative Update

On October 31, 2023, the Ontario government announced the average premium rate businesses pay to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) will remain at $1.30 per $100 of insurable payroll for 2024. The WSIB provides wage-loss benefits and medical coverage to Ontario employees and is completely funded by employer premiums. Premium rates for employers…

Human Resources Legislative Update

The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) has published a Draft Communicable Illnesses Policy (Draft Policy) for consultation. As stated by the WSIB, the WSIB has adjudicated tens of thousands of COVID-19 claims since the onset of the pandemic. Drawing from its history of adjudicating communicable diseases and the recent COVID-19 claims’ experience, the WSIB…

Human Resources Legislative Update

COVID-19 and WSIB Claim Costs

· 3 min read

Public Health Ontario publishes weekly epidemiological summaries regarding COVID-19 in Ontario. The most recent report, published October 7, 2022, noted a gradual increase in case trends and percent positivity over the past three weeks. Current projections suggest that weekly case numbers may continue to rise over the coming weeks.  Given forecasted increases, here is a…

Human Resources Legislative Update

The Ontario Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) is seeking feedback from temporary employment agencies (TEAs) in response to its new premium rate setting model, originally introduced in 2020. The public consultation will support a review and possible modification of the rate setting approach for the TEA industry. Under the new rate setting model, TEAs…