What's New with the WSIB? (Pt. 1)

The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) has undergone significant developments for 2013, with many more changes still on the horizon. In this blog, we will outline of some of these developments and how they will impact you as an employer dealing with the WSIB.

New mandatory coverage for construction industry 
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As of January 1, 2013, the WSIB has introduced mandatory coverage under the WSIA for majority of the construction industry. The individuals affected by this change include independent operators, sole proprietors, partners in a partnership, and executive officers of construction corporations. These individuals are now considered “workers” under the WSIA. Deemed employers are now required to register with the WSIB and remit premiums based on their insurable earnings. (Source)

According to CTV News, this development is concerning to small, independent contractors. The cost runs about $9 for every $100 earned up to a maximum of $7500. Many contractors fear that this is going to cost them business because of the subsequent rate increase they must charge to compensate for this cost. Home builders will also face higher administrative costs as part of the change.

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Premium rate changes

The WSIB has announced that they will be increasing premium rates by 2.5% for all employer rate groups in 2013. Here is a statement issued by the WSIB in regards to this increase:

“In order to create stable and competitive premium rates for the future and ensure a sustainable workplace safety and insurance system for workers and employers, premium rates will increase by 2.5% for all employer rate groups in 2013. This increased rate is a necessary step to reducing the WSIB’s unfunded liability (UFL), which has grown to $14.2 billion.”  (Source)

The 2013 Premium Rates table can be found here: http://www.wsib.on.ca/en/community/WSIB/230/ArticleDetail/24338?vgnextoid=002c768461e8a310VgnVCM100000469c710aRCRD

New changes to eServices

​As part of their promise to become more paperless, the WSIB is introducing a new eService for employers at the end of the month. eStatement allows you to access a PDF version of your quarterly NEER statement, and other WSIB-related statements, online at the click of a button. You will also be able to export the data into Excel.

This service should significantly eliminate the delays in receiving NEER and monthly cost statements. Currently employers are waiting approximately 6-8 weeks after the close of the period for the NEER statement and about 4-6 weeks for their monthly cost statements.

eStatement is expected to go live on April 18th, 2013. Statements should be available on this system almost immediately after they are prepared and will be archived for at least 1 year. After April 18th, employers can sign up to start to receive their eStatements. Keep an eye on the WSIB website for further developments in this area! If you have any questions, you can contact Vincent Mirabelli of WSIB Online Services.

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Claim cost calculations for deceased workers

Although this is not necessarily new to the WSIB, this is a policy that many employers are not aware of:

If an injured worker dies for reasons unrelated to the workplace injury within the four-year NEER review period, the projected future costs for the claim are eliminated.  Employers must apply to have the projected future costs removed from their Claim Cost Statement, and must include a copy of the worker’s death certificate. Applications must be received by the WSIB prior to expiry of the NEER review period.

Clear Path consultant Kelly Auld states that, in situations where the worker has passed away, this will result in significantly reduced limited claims costs and will have a positive and cost-reducing effect on the employers’ rebate/surcharge. In order to have the projected future costs eliminated, the employer must write a letter to the Experience Rating Department requesting the removal. Click here to read the full NEER policy online.

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