Resources

WSIB Coverage Economist Report – 2023

According to the most recent Economist analysis, extending WSIB coverage to the 1.56 million currently uncovered workers would deliver immediate and measurable benefits to Ontario’s economy, employers, and public services. The projected impacts include:

Direct Financial Benefits

  • A 6.2% reduction in employer assessment rates for all currently covered employers—an across the board cost relief that strengthens business competitiveness.
  • $205 million injected into Ontario’s economy as a result of the reduced employer assessment rates.
  • $107 million in OHIP cost relief, as WSIB would assume responsibility for these costs through employer assessments. This represents real tax relief for Ontarians and frees up resources that can be redirected to urgent priorities such as addressing hallway medicine.
  • $75 million in new funding to meet WSIB’s legislated obligations, including the Workplace Safety and Insurance Appeals Tribunal (WSIAT), the Office of the Worker Adviser (OWA), the Office of the Employer Adviser (OEA), Ontario’s Health and Safety Inspectors, and the Health and Safety Associations.

Fairness and Prevention
Currently, 76.5% of Ontario employers—those already covered by the WSIA—are paying 100% of the $260 million required to fund prevention and system wide obligations under both the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the Workplace Safety & Insurance Act.
This includes the full cost of:

  • The Appeals Tribunal
  • The Office of the Employer Adviser
  • The Office of the Worker Adviser
  • Health and Safety Associations
  • Research and prevention infrastructure

To read the full economist report, click on the link below.



Compulsory WSIB Coverage in Construction

RESEARCH REPORT

Policy Conditions Surrounding Compulsory Workplace Safety and Insurance Coverage in Ontario’s Construction Sector

Reports

Universal WSIB Coverage economist report

Ontario has one of the lowest workplace injury insurance coverage rates in the country. Our estimates suggest that over 1.5 million workers in Ontario are not covered by WSIB.

Implementing universal coverage could have benefits for WSIB, currently covered employers, uncovered workers and Ontario taxpayers

Making Ontario a safer place to work

Funding and safety outcomes of Ontario’s health and safety associations.

Over the last decade, spending on health and safety training through the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Training & Skills Development (MLTSD) has not kept pace with the growing workforce.

Workplace Safety and Insurance Board Operational Review Report

Learn about the independent review of the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) and the recommended operational, legislative and regulatory changes to help maintain its financial sustainability and better support and protect workers, their families and Ontario businesses.

The analysis and recommendations in the report have been carried out as a joint collaboration.

 

Boris Kralj estimated impact of Universal WSIB Coverage | April 2019

A study of impacts of WSIA coverage expansion in Ontario

Currently, about one in four workers in Ontario are not covered by the Ontario Workplace Safety and Insurance Act (WSIA). Coverage under the WSIA is on the basis of inclusion, rather than exclusion.

Hugh Mackenzie Estimated Impact of Universal Coverage | November 2015

Review of universal coverage Ontario WSIB

Ontario’s economy is changing with new industries. Many of which are not covered which means Ontario’s system will become smaller.

Hugh Mackenzie Estimated Impact of Universal Coverage | October 2013

Review of Universal Coverage Ontario WSIB October 2013

Ontario’s economy is changing with new industries. Many of which are not covered which means Ontario’s system will become smaller.

Brock Smith Final Report on Coverage | October 2002

Issue: To finalize recommendations to the Minister with respect to broadening WSIB coverage and resolving the independent operator issue.

The impact study has been completed. It analyses the impact on employment in the industries to which coverage would be extended and concludes that the employment impact would be minimal in the long run. In the short run there would be dislocations for small business and community health and social assistance agencies.

Brock Smith Final Report on Coverage | November 2003

Issue: To finalize recommendations to the Minister with respect to broadening WSIB coverage and resolving the independent operator issue.

Implementation of the recommendations will halt coverage erosion, improve long term financial viability, eliminate confusion with respect to who is covered, resolve the independent operator issue, and eliminate the need for financial assurances from Schedule 2 employers.