Policy updates/clarifications
Need more information on the latest word on a policy? Find it here.
For copies of past policies, please email km@wsib.on.ca or phone 416-344-4355 or 1-800-387-0750, ext. 416-344-4355.
Housekeeping policy revisions to make policies consistent with Work Reintegration Operational Policies
In ongoing support of the Work Reintegration program and our Policy Renewal Initiative, we've made a number of housekeeping changes to existing policy documents in the Operational Policy Manual (OPM).
While the revised policies in the OPM have been reformatted and may look different from previous versions, housekeeping changes are not substantive changes and ensure that existing policies align with the Work Reintegration policies, e.g., terminology updated.
For further information on housekeeping changes, please read Policy Renewal Initiative - Upcoming Changes
Updated Policy Agenda 2012-13
We've released the Updated Policy Agenda 2012-13 (104.4kb, PDF) to reflect upcoming policy priorities, as well as some recent announcements and progress-to-date on our major policy consultations. There are no substantive additions or deletions.
We updated the Agenda in support of the Framework for Policy Development and Renewal (414.6kb, PDF) and the Policy Evaluation and Renewal initiative.
The Framework includes a commitment to an annual Policy Agenda. It also explains the purpose of WSIB policies and administrative guidelines, outlines the WSIB’s approach to policy development and review, and describes the stakeholder consultation process.
The Updated Policy Agenda 2012-13 reflects:
- Progress of the Benefits Policy Consultation and the announcement of a Rate Framework Consultation
- The government’s announcement in October of its intention to amend the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997 to eliminate the 72-month lock-in for loss of earnings (LOE) benefits and to base survivor benefits on the average earnings of the deceased worker’s occupation or trade
- The requirement under newly legislated funding-level requirements, for submission of a Sufficiency Plan to demonstrate progress toward funding targets
- Housekeeping changes anticipated in 2013, including those stemming from business transformation work currently underway at the WSIB.
Mandatory coverage in the construction industry (Bill 119)
Mandatory coverage in the construction industry is effective as of January 1, 2013.
The following four new policies will guide the administration of the legislative changes.
- Expanded Compulsory Coverage in Construction
- Clearance Certificate in Construction
- Insurable Earnings - Construction
- Offences and Penalties - For Compulsory Coverage in Construction
In addition, the WSIB has created a new rate group (Rate Group 755) for non-exempt partners and executive officers in construction who do not perform construction work. This new rate group will have twelve classification units (CUs) with each CU representing non-exempt partners and executive officers in each of the twelve construction rate groups.
Learn more about mandatory coverage: BeRegisteredBeReady.ca.
Housekeeping policy revisions to support mandatory coverage in the construction industry (Bill 119)
With the introduction of mandatory coverage in the construction industry, the WSIB has made a number of housekeeping changes to existing policy documents in the Operational Policy Manual (OPM) and the Employer Classification Manual (ECM) (ECM). Housekeeping changes are non-substantive and are to ensure that other policies align with the new Bill 119 Policies.
2013 Benefits rates
Each year a Benefit Rate Review is performed to ensure consistency in our policies and to maintain appropriate rate levels year over year.
We do this in order to ensure worker benefit rates keep pace with the economic times, while balancing fairness and financial sustainability of Ontario’s workplace safety and insurance system.
The annual benefit rate changes for 2013 are effective as of January 1, 2013
For 2013, benefit rates that will be increasing are:
- Independent Living Allowance (ILA)
- Personal Care Allowance (PCA)
- Burial Expenses
| Benefit | Legislative Authority | 2012 Rate | 2013 Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Independent Living Allowance | s.32,33 | $3,733.21 annually | $3,800.41 annually |
|
Personal Care Allowance (PCA): General Attendant Rate Personal Attendant Rate Skilled Attendant Rate
|
s.32,33 |
$10.54/hr $13.78/hr $20.21/hr |
$10.73/hr $14.03/hr $20.57/hr |
| Burial Expenses |
s.48(22) (1998 legislative minimum was $2,083.32) |
Minimum amount $2,819.39 | Minimum amount $2,870.14 |
Policy renewal initiative: upcoming changes
As outlined in the WSIB’s 2012-2016 Strategic Plan and the Framework for Policy Development and Renewal (414.6kb, PDF), we are committed to improving and renewing WSIB policies.
These efforts are aimed at ensuring policies are up to date, clear, and provide appropriate guidance to staff and the public as to how they will be applied. To ensure consistency, all new or revised Operational Policy Manual (OPM) documents will be formatted using a new template (58.9kb, PDF).
Each year, we will review a series of policies and identify "housekeeping" updates. Housekeeping changes are restricted to non-substantive changes including:
- revisions as a result of legislative, regulatory amendments, or other policy changes
- correction of outdated or inaccurate information or terminology
- correction of typographical or grammatical errors
- updates to legislative references
The WSIB will publish a number of housekeeping changes over the course of 2013 to ensure that the Operational Policy Manual remains up-to-date.
Minor Policy Revisions in Response to Ontario Human Rights Tribunal Decision
On November 22, 2011, the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (HRTO) rendered a decision (Frankson v. Workplace Safety and Insurance Board, 2011 HRTO 2107), directing the WSIB to revise any Operational Policy which sets out the WSIB's requirement to:
- have regard to non-work-related disabilities in conducting a Work Transition assessment, and
- accommodate disabilities in a Work Transition plan
by stating that non-work-related disabilities include non-physical disabilities such as a learning disability.
As a result the following policies have been revised and will be effective December 1, 2012:
- 15-06-08, Adjusting Benefits Due to Post-accident, Non-work-related Change in Circumstances
- 19-02-01, Work Reintegration Principles, Concepts, and Definitions
- 19-03-03, Determining Suitable Occupation
- 19-03-05, Work Transition Plans
Revised policy on clearance certificates
We have revised the policy on clearance certificates to align with our eClearance service and how clearances are issued.
This policy came into effect on June 15, 2012.
Framework for Policy Development and Renewal
As part of our commitment to serving the workers and employers of Ontario better, we’re taking steps to enhance our policy development and consultation process.
Frequently Asked Questions - Interaction Between WSIB and CPP Benefits (173k, pdf).
This FAQ provides basic information about WSIB and CPP benefits, and how these benefits may affect each other. Information is provided about:
- who qualifies for WSIB and CPP benefits
- when to apply for benefits
- how CPP benefits are offset from WSIB benefits
