Ensuring workplace safety is an asset, not a liability

Safety Groups program extension


 

On April 1, 2012, the responsibility for the prevention mandate in Ontario transferred to the Chief Prevention Officer (CPO), George Gritziotis, at the Ministry of Labour (MoL).    

We will work with the CPO to determine the nature of future incentive programs - such as Safety Groups - as recommended in Tony Dean's Expert Advisory Panel on Occupational Health and Safety report, and in Professor Harry Arthurs’ Funding Fairness report (3.5mb, PDF).

Decision within 12 months

The Funding Fairness report specifically recommended that the WSIB make a decision, in consultation with the MoL, whether to continue merit-based programs (such as the Safety Groups) within 12 months on the basis that these programs require improvements in safety, return to work, prevention and cost-effectiveness.

 As a result, the WSIB Board of Directors has directed that:

  • Safety Group firms currently at, or exceeding, five years of participation will be extended for one year
  • New sponsors and employers will be considered for entry into the Safety Groups Program in 2013 based on current entry criteria, and
  • The WSIB review the program with the CPO and provide a recommendation to the Board of Directors, on or before April 30, 2013, whether to continue it

More info

More information about the review process will be available in the coming months. 

In the meantime, firms can now make plans for 2013 recruitment.