Tag: Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB)

Ontario Proposes Higher WSIB Wage Replacement & Extended LOE Eligibility for Older Workers

· 2 min read

Ontario has proposed changes that would increase WSIB wage-replacement (LOE) benefits from 85% to 90% and extend LOE eligibility for workers who intend to work past age 65. If passed, these amendments may increase claim costs and premium pressure—making strong return-to-work programs even more important. Hicks Morley’s Stephanie Savoni outlines the amendments.

Ontario Intends to Extend WSIB Coverage to More Frontline Workers

· 1 min read

Ontario has announced it will table legislation that could extend mandatory WSIB coverage to workers in privately operated residential care facilities, retirement homes and group homes—expanding access to wage-replacement and health care benefits for more frontline staff. Stephanie Savoni provides an update on the proposed changes.

Ontario Introduces Working for Workers Seven Act, 2025

· 5 min read

On May 28, 2025, the Ontario government introduced Bill 30, the Working for Workers Seven Act, 2025 (Bill 30). Bill 30 continues the province’s ongoing “Working for Workers” legislative initiative, proposing significant amendments to various employment-related statutes, including the Employment Standards Act, 2000, Occupational Health and Safety Act, and Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997.

Employers Take Note: WSIB Suspends Appeals and Extends Time Limits as Over 3,600 Unionized Workers Begin Rolling Strikes

· 4 min read

The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) has suspended its appeals processes and extended objection time limits as over 3,600 unionized workers commenced rolling strikes on May 22, 2025, following failed contract negotiations with the Ontario Compensation Employees Union (OCEU). The labour disruption has prompted significant operational changes affecting workplace parties seeking to challenge WSIB…

WSIB Decision Determines Employer Not in Breach of Re-Employment Obligations After Terminating Employee Who Misrepresented Extent of Workplace Injuries

· 4 min read

In a recent decision, the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) clarified Policy 19-02-09, (Re-employment Obligations) (the Policy), which outlines conditions under which employers must re-employ workers who are unable to work due to work-related injuries or illnesses.

WSIB to Redistribute $2 Billion to Ontario Employers

· 2 min read

The Ontario government and the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) have announced that eligible Schedule 1 employers will receive a credit to their WSIB accounts in February 2025. The WSIB has noted that strong financial and operational factors have led to a surplus beyond the WSIB reserve factor, triggering a payout of the surplus…

WSIB Revises Mental Stress Policies to Clarify Role of Witnesses

· 1 min read

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…

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…