Ontario’s Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB): An Employer's Guide

The importance of WSIB for employers in Ontario 

As an employer in Ontario, ensuring the health and safety of your employees is crucial. Unfortunately, despite all preventive measures, accidents and illnesses may still happen in the workplace. In these situations, having the proper insurance coverage is essential for both your employees' well-being and your business's protection. 

That’s where the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) comes in.  

All Canadian jurisdictions have their own Workers’ Compensation Boards that provide insurance for workplace illnesses and injuries. The workplace insurance system in Ontario is administered by the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB). 

The WSIB provides no-fault workplace injury and illness insurance to employees  in the province. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the essentials of WSIB coverage, how to register your business, and your responsibilities as an employer. 

What is the WSIB and how does it benefit employers? 

The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) is an independent agency under the Ontario government responsible for overseeing workplace injury and illness insurance. It administers Ontario’s no-fault workplace insurance system under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act (WSIA), 1997.

By registering with WSIB, employers contribute premiums to a fund that provides workers with coverage for medical treatments, wage loss, rehabilitation services, and return-to-work support. This system ensures that employees get the support they need while protecting employers from being sued for workplace injuries or illnesses. 

Key benefits of WSIB for employers: 

• Worker protection: In case of workplace injuries, employees receive medical and financial support. 
• No-fault coverage: Employees don’t need to prove employer negligence to receive benefits. 
• Employer protection: Employers are protected from lawsuits related to workplace accidents and illnesses. 
• Comprehensive benefits: Includes healthcare coverage, wage-loss benefits, rehabilitation services, and more. 

Who needs to register for WSIB? 

In Ontario, most businesses are required to register with WSIB within 10 days of hiring their first employee.

Mandatorily covered employers must register and provide initial information to WSIB within 10 calendar days of hiring their first employee (including part-time, casual, or family members). Full registration must be completed by the end of the month following the hire month.

Certain industries, such as construction, manufacturing, transportation, and hospitality, are mandated by law to have WSIB coverage. If you're uncertain whether your business falls under the mandatory coverage requirement, you can take a quick questionnaire on the WSIB website. 

Exemptions: Some businesses, such as banks, insurance companies, and certain service industries, are not required to register with WSIB. However, they can still choose to register voluntarily. 

How to register your business with WSIB 

Registering your business with WSIB is straightforward, and you can complete the process online, by phone, or via mail or fax. Here are the steps: 

1. Determine your business type: Check if your business falls under the mandatory requirement or if you're exempt. 
2. Provide business information: Prepare your business details, including industry type, number of employees, and payroll information. 
3. Submit your application: Complete the online form or contact WSIB directly to begin your registration. 

What happens after registration? 

Once registered, your business will pay premiums to WSIB based on the number of employees and total payroll.

Premiums are calculated based on your insurable payroll and your specific premium rate (which varies by industry class and claims history). The average premium rate across Ontario businesses for 2026 is $1.23 per $100 of insurable payroll.

Premiums are due based on your business’s reporting schedule (monthly, quarterly, or annually). 

Employers must also maintain a record of injuries and illnesses and report them to WSIB within three days of becoming aware of an incident. This includes submitting Form 7 to WSIB and ensuring the worker fills out Form 6 for reporting workplace injuries or illnesses. 

Reporting and payment of WSIB premiums 

Employers have specific reporting requirements under WSIB. For example: 

• Monthly reporting: Required for businesses with more than $1,000,000 in insurable earnings. 
• Quarterly reporting: Required for businesses with earnings between $20,000 and $999,999.99. 
• Annual reporting: Required for businesses with earnings below $20,000. 

WSIB offers an online portal where employers can report their premiums, access forms, and make payments. Late submissions can result in penalties ranging from $250 to $1,000. 

Penalties for non-compliance 

Failing to comply with WSIB requirements can result in severe penalties, including: 

• Corporate prosecution: Up to $500,000 in fines. 
• Individual penalties: Fines of up to $25,000, with the possibility of six months of imprisonment for employers who fail to report injuries, discourage employees from filing claims, or provide false information.  

Recent amendments under Bill 30 (Working for Workers Seven Act, 2025), in force since November 2025, have strengthened WSIB enforcement. These include:

• Explicit prohibition on making false or misleading statements to the WSIB about worker claims, with administrative penalties possible alongside court fines.
• New administrative penalties for failures like inaccurate records, unpaid premiums, or not providing required information.
• Higher maximum fines (up to $750,000 per count in multi-count cases) and new offence provisions for premium non-payment.

What to do if an injury occurs at work 

If a workplace injury happens, you, as the employer, must take immediate action: 

1. Provide first aid: Administer first aid and maintain accurate records of the treatment provided. 
2. Report the injury: If the worker needs medical treatment, report the incident to WSIB within three days using Form 7. 
3. Investigate the incident: Investigate the cause of the injury and ensure it’s properly documented. 
4. Provide worker support: Ensure that the injured worker has access to healthcare and rehabilitation services, as required. 

Ensure all reports and statements to WSIB are accurate to avoid new penalties under recent WSIA amendments.

The WSIB clearance certificate 

A WSIB clearance certificate is an official document from the WSIB confirming that a business is registered for WSIB coverage (if required) and that its premiums are paid and in good standing.

It is commonly required in the construction industry when hiring contractors or subcontractors, as businesses must obtain a valid WSIB clearance certificate to avoid being held liable for unpaid premiums. A WSIB clearance certificate is also often required before awarding contracts, releasing payments, or starting work on a job site, particularly for public sector or commercial projects. In other industries, a WSIB certificate may be requested as part of contractual risk management, even when not legally mandatory.

Stay compliant and protect your business 

Registering with the WSIB is crucial for protecting your employees and your business. By ensuring that your workplace is covered, you contribute to the safety and well-being of your team while safeguarding your business from potential lawsuits. 

Recent legislative updates, including Bill 30 (2025), have increased WSIB penalties for non-compliance while adding supports like potential reimbursement for required defibrillators in certain workplaces.

If you’re unsure about your WSIB responsibilities or need help navigating the registration process, reach out to our experts. We can provide guidance on everything from understanding your premium rates to reporting requirements, and more. 

Do you have questions about WSIB? 

Helping small businesses cultivate a culture of health and safety is our priority. Peninsula’s health and safety advisors are here to provide support and guidance on WSIB claims, including advising you on what steps to take when an injury occurs, when to report it, and how to complete the necessary forms. Call us at 1 (833) 247-3652 for personalized support.