Ontario Introduces the Workplace Safety and Insurance Amendment Act

On December 8, 2020, the Ontario government introduced the Workplace Safety and Insurance Amendment Act, 2020. If passed, this legislation would protect employers from an unexpected increase in Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) premiums while maintaining an increase to the maximum earnings cap for worker benefits.

You can read more about the Workplace Safety and Insurance Amendment Act, 2020 

Since the pandemic began, the OGCA has predicted a problem arising from the sudden loss of jobs among lower-wage workers outside the construction sector due to their impact on the average industrial wage (AIG). These job losses have increased the AIG of Ontario workers by 7.8 percent, compared to an average increase of 2-3 percent for 2021. If passed, this legislation will limit the impact the increase the AIG has on WSIB premiums to 2 percent.

The Workplace Safety and Insurance Amendment Act, 2020 should make sure OGCA members aren't subject to sudden undue costs during the pandemic and the recovery phase. The new amendment will not impact the 7.8 percent increase in the earnings cap for workers, ensuring they will continue to be fairly compensated for work-related injuries and occupational diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic.

We will continue advocating on behalf of OGCA members to the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development and the WSIB. As some of Ontario's safest employers, our organization has taken the leading role during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure businesses are supported during recovery.

If you have questions about this policy or anything related to the WSIB, please contact Erich Schmidt, Government and Stakeholder Relations Associate, at erich@ogca.ca.