News Releases
April 2012
Join the WSIB in commemorating the Day of Mourning
Toronto, April 25, 2012 - The Workplace Safety and Insurance (WSIB) is joining individuals and organizations across the province and country in honouring those who have been impacted by a workplace fatality, injury or illness.
March 2012
UPDATED: WSIB announces further organizational changes to enhance service
Toronto: March 21, 2012 - The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) has announced a further reduction in the number of its full-time staff positions. Approximately 129 unionized and non-unionized staff are affected by this change. More than 100 additional employees have elected to voluntarily exit the WSIB.
Update: OxyContin®/OxyNeo®
Toronto: March 13, 2012 - The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) has replaced OxyContin with OxyNeo as one of the drugs that can be prescribed for workers who are injured on the job.
WSIB releases 2012-2016 Strategic Plan
Toronto: March 9, 2012 - The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) has released its new strategic plan that will transform the WSIB into a modern, sustainable and customer-centric workplace compensation system.
Statement by WSIB Chair Steve Mahoney
Toronto: March 8, 2012 - May 2012 represents the sixth anniversary of my appointment as Chair of the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board.
February 2012
Update #5: WSIB working with governments to support Hampstead victims and families
Toronto: February 17, 2012 - The WSIB continues to provide support to the workers and families affected by the February 6 motor vehicle collision in Hampstead, Ontario.
Update #4: WSIB covering travel and accommodation costs for Hampstead victims’ family members
Toronto: February 10, 2012 - In response to inquiries from the public and the media, the WSIB is providing some additional information.
Update #3: Further information on the Hampstead Motor Vehicle Collision
Toronto: February 9, 2012 - In response to inquiries from the public and the media, the WSIB is providing some additional information.
Organizational change part of long-term strategy to enhance service
Toronto: February 9, 2012 - The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) announced today a reduction in the number of its full-time staff positions.
Update #2: WSIB Statement on Hampstead Motor Vehicle Collision
Toronto, February 9, 2012 - The special Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) team responding to this tragedy, and providing the workers and families with the help they need, has established claims for those workers injured and killed in Monday’s motor vehicle collision.
Update #1: WSIB Statement on Hampstead Motor Vehicle Collision
Toronto, February 7, 2012 - We are greatly saddened by the deaths and injuries suffered in the motor vehicle collision in Hampstead, Ontario on February 6, 2012.
June 2011
WSIB announces premium rates for 2012
Toronto, June 29, 2011 - The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) confirmed today that premium rates for all employer rate groups will increase by two per cent on January 1, 2012.
WSIB working to minimize impact of the Canada Post strike on injured worker benefits
Toronto, June 8, 2011 - The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) is taking action to make sure injured workers have access to their benefit payments during the Canada Post mail service disruption.
May 2011
WSIB announces new board member appointment
Toronto, May 16, 2011 - The Honourable Steven W. Mahoney, Chair of the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB), today announced the Order in Council appointment of Brendan Calder as the newest member of the WSIB’s Board of Directors.
April 2011
City of Barrie signs Community Health and Safety Charter
Barrie, April 18, 2011 - The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board is pleased to announce the signing of the Community Workplace Health and Safety Charter by City of Barrie Mayor, Jeff Lehman.
September 2010
WSIB Announces Comprehensive Funding Review
Toronto, September 30, 2010 - Ontario’s Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) is moving forward with a Funding Review to ensure the long-term financial stability of the WSIB. The Funding Review will be chaired by Professor Harry Arthurs, former Dean of Osgoode Hall Law School and President Emeritus of York University.
June 2010
WSIB and OHCOW to Pilot New Clinic in Thunder Bay
TORONTO, June 22, 2010 - Celebration of new OHCOW clinic opening in Thunder Bay.
May 2010
WSIB awards winners of the 2010 Student Video Awards
TORONTO, May 27, 2010 - Earlier this week, Steve Mahoney, Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) Chair, honoured the winners of the WSIB’s annual Student Video Contest.
April 2010
CN Tower Yellow Lighting to Illuminate the Critical Need for Workplace Safety (34.9kb, PDF)
Toronto, April 27, 2010 - On April 28, the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) asks everyone to join them in marking the National Day of Mourning and honouring the millions of Ontarians whose lives have been forever changed by a workplace injury, illness or fatality.
December 2009
WSIB Announces New Board Member Appointment (75, pdf)
Toronto, December 17, 2009 - The Honourable Steven W. Mahoney, Chair of the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB), today announced the Order in Council appointment of Estelle Marie Caines as the newest member of the WSIB's Board of Directors.
November 2009
WSIB announces final premium rates for 2010 (50k, pdf)
Toronto, November 5, 2009 - The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) has decided to freeze rates for the majority of employers in 2010, while applying the usual rate-setting methodology for rate groups that have not achieved expected health and safety and return to work outcomes.
July 2009
WSIB Announces Preliminary Premium Rates for 2010 (122k, pdf)
TORONTO, July 27, 2009 - Ontario's Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) announced today that it will freeze premium rates for employers in rate groups with good health and safety records.
May 2009
WSIB Awards Winners of the 2009 Student Video Contest (35k, pdf)
TORONTO, May 28, 2009 - Today, Jill Hutcheon, Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) President & CEO, honoured the winners of the WSIB's annual Student Video Contest.
WSIB Releases 2008 Financial Results (89k, pdf)
TORONTO, May 7, 2009 - Ontario's Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) has released its unaudited financial report for the fourth quarter of 2008, available today on the WSIB's website. The report shows the financial status of Ontario's workplace safety and insurance system at the conclusion of a year of unprecedented global financial downturn.
April 2009
Everyone Urged to Honour Ontario?s Fallen Workers on Day of Mourning (36k, pdf)
TORONTO, April 21, 2009 - On April 28, the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) asks everyone to join them in marking the National Day of Mourning and honouring the millions of Ontarians whose lives have been forever changed by a workplace injury, illness or fatality.
March 2009
Open Letter from the Chair of the WSIB to the Chair of the Workplace Health, Safety & Compensation Commission of Newfoundland and Labrador ( 48.0kb, PDF) (160k, pdf)
TORONTO, March 18, 2009 - WSIB Chair Steve Mahoney expresses condolences to the families and friends of the workers who died at sea off the coast of Newfoundland.
WSIB Announces New Board Member Appointments (74k, pdf)
TORONTO, March 12, 2009 - The Honourable Steven W. Mahoney, Chair of the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB), today announced the Order in Council appointments of Lea M. Ray, Louis Girard, and Sari Sairanen as members of the WSIB's Board of Directors.
Canada's First Occupational Cancer Research Centre Launched (35k, pdf)
TORONTO, March 5th, 2009 - Today health and workplace safety organizations, businesses, and labour groups joined forces with a common goal of reducing workplace cancer, and officially launched Canada's first centre dedicated solely to research in occupational cancers.
2008
November
Midland Joins WSIB on Road to Zero Injuries, Illnesses and Fatalities (70k, pdf)
TORONTO, November 26, 2008 - Town of Midland Mayor James Downer has signed on to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board's (WSIB) Community Workplace Health and Safety Charter, committing the town to eliminating workplace injuries, illnesses and fatalities.
October
You Can Never be Too Safe - WSIB Launches New Workplace Safety Awareness Campaign (86k, pdf)
TORONTO, October 20, 2008 - With today's launch of its newest social marketing campaign, the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) continues its efforts to build a societal belief that there really are no accidents, creating a national habit of safety on the Road to Zero.
Welland Joins WSIB on Road to Zero Injuries, Illnesses and Fatalities (70k, pdf)
TORONTO, October 9, 2008 - Welland's Mayor Damian Goulbourne has signed on to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board's (WSIB) Community Workplace Health and Safety Charter, committing the city to eliminating workplace injuries, illnesses and fatalities.
September
WSIB to Implement New Rules for Construction Sector (81k, pdf)
TORONTO, September 18, 2008 - New rules that are part of an industry-led effort to help injured/ill construction workers get back to work came into force September 1, 2008.
Owen Sound Joins WSIB on Road to Zero Injuries, Illnesses and Fatalities (70k, pdf)
TORONTO, September 10, 2008 - City of Owen Sound Mayor Ruth Lovell has signed on to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board's (WSIB) Community Workplace Health and Safety Charter, committing the city to eliminating workplace injuries, illnesses and fatalities.
August
WSIB Releases Average Premium Rate for 2009 (92k, pdf)
TORONTO, August 14, 2008 - The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) has announced the 2009 premium rates for Schedule 1 employers. The decision to keep the 2009 average premium rate at $2.26 - unchanged from 2007 and 2008 - is based on careful financial analysis, and an expectation that improvements will occur in health and safety and return to work outcomes consistent with the WSIB's Road to Zero and Prevention Strategies.
July
Trent Hills Joins WSIB on Road to Zero Injuries, Illnesses and Fatalities
TORONTO, July 8, 2008 - Municipality of Trent Hills Mayor Hector Macmillan signed on to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board’s (WSIB) Community Workplace Health and Safety Charter yesterday, committing the Municipality to eliminating workplace injuries, illnesses and fatalities.
June 2008
WSIB Announces Special Advisory Committee for Experience Rating (72k, pdf)
TORONTO, June 27, 2008 - Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) Chair, Hon. Steven Mahoney, P.C. today announced a Special Advisory Committee for the Board of Directors that will work closely with WSIB management and a third-party expert to help make needed reforms to the Experience Rating system. The committee will be co-chaired by Vice-Chair Patrick Dillon and Board member Loretta Henderson.
WSIB releases preliminary average premium rate for 2009
TORONTO, June 12, 2008 - The WSIB has announced the 2009 preliminary average premium rate for Schedule 1 employers. The WSIB Board of Directors' decision to keep the 2009 average premium rate at $2.26 ? unchanged from 2007 and 2008 - is based on careful financial analysis, and an expectation that improvements will occur in health-and-safety and return-to-work outcomes consistent with the WSIB's Road to Zero and Prevention Strategies.
May 2008
Road to Zero Injuries, Illnesses, and Fatalities Runs Through Every School and Workplace in Ontario - WSIB Awards Winners of the 2008 Student Video Contest (90k, pdf)
TORONTO, May 20, 2008 - At an awards ceremony today, the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) honoured the winners of its annual Student Video Contest, screening the winning videos for approximately 150 high school students and other invited guests. Ads from the WSIB's new young worker safety campaign were also shown.
Company fined for offenses under Workplace Safety and Insurance Act (111k, pdf)
TORONTO, May 16, 2008 - Aecon Group Inc. of 20 Carlson Court, Suite 800 in Toronto has been ordered to pay $125,000 for offences under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act (WSIA) and a Victim Fine Surcharge in the amount of $31,250.
Caledon Joins WSIB on Road to Zero Injuries, Illnesses and Fatalities (70k, pdf)
TORONTO, May 13, 2008 - Town of Caledon Mayor Marolyn Morrison signed on to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board's (WSIB) Community Workplace Health and Safety Charter today, committing the town to eliminating workplace injuries, illnesses and fatalities.
April 2008
Ontario's Fallen Workers Honoured at Day of Mourning Ceremony (70k, pdf)
TORONTO, April 28, 2008 - To mark the National Day of Mourning, the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) held a solemn ceremony today and unveiled a Living Tribute to the millions of Ontarians whose lives have been forever changed by a workplace injury, illness or fatality.
WSIB to Hold Day of Mourning Ceremony and Unveil Living Tribute to Honour Ontario's Fallen Workers (84k, pdf)
TORONTO, April 24, 2008 - April 28th marks the National Day of Mourning and is observed to commemorate those killed or hurt by workplace injuries or disease. Declared by the Canadian Labour Congress in 1984, the Day is traditionally observed by holding candle-lighting ceremonies, flying flags at half-mast, wearing black ribbons and armbands, and pausing for a moment of silence at 11 a.m.
March 2008
It Pays to be Safe: WSIB Pledges $10k for Young Entrepreneurs (74k, pdf)
TORONTO, March 27, 2008 - The deadline for the 2008 WSIB Chair's Health and Safety Excellence Award for Young Entrepreneurs has been extended to Monday, April 14, 2008.
Halton Joins WSIB on Road to Zero Injuries, Illnesses and Fatalities (70k, pdf)
TORONTO, March 26, 2008 - Region of Halton Chair Gary Carr signed on to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board's (WSIB) Community Workplace Health and Safety Charter yesterday, committing the Region to eliminating workplace injuries, illnesses and fatalities.
Niagara Falls Joins WSIB on Road to Zero Injuries, Illnesses and Fatalities (70k, pdf)
TORONTO, March 18, 2008 - City of Niagara Falls Mayor Ted Salci signed on to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board's (WSIB) Community Workplace Health and Safety Charter last night, committing the city to eliminating workplace injuries, illnesses and fatalities.
County of Prince Edward Joins WSIB on Road to Zero Injuries, Illnesses and Fatalities (69k, pdf)
TORONTO, March 11, 2008 - County of Prince Edward Mayor Leo P. Finnegan signed on to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board's (WSIB) Community Workplace Health and Safety Charter last night, committing the County to eliminating workplace injuries, illnesses and fatalities.
WSIB Announces Review of Experience Rating Program (80k, pdf)
TORONTO, March 10, 2008 - Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) Chair Steven Mahoney, P.C., announced today that the WSIB is conducting a review of its Experience Rating program. Also, effective immediately, if a company is responsible for a workplace fatality, they won't be eligible for a rebate from the WSIB.
Peel Joins WSIB on Road to Zero Injuries, Illnesses and Fatalities (70k, pdf)
TORONTO, March 7, 2008 - Region of Peel Chair Emil Kolb signed on to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board's (WSIB) Community Workplace Health and Safety Charter yesterday, committing the region to eliminating workplace injuries, illnesses and fatalities.
Oshawa Joins the WSIB on Road to Zero Injuries, Illnesses and Fatalities (82k, pdf)
TORONTO, March 4, 2008 - City of Oshawa Mayor John Gray signed on to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board's (WSIB) Community Workplace Health and Safety Charter yesterday, committing the city to eliminating workplace injuries, illnesses and fatalities.
February 2008
Windsor Joins WSIB on Road to Zero Injuries, Illnesses and Fatalities (70k, pdf)
TORONTO, February 26, 2008 - City of Windsor Mayor Eddie Francis signed on to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board's (WSIB) Community Workplace Health and Safety Charter last night at Windsor City Hall, committing the city to eliminating workplace injuries, illnesses and fatalities.
Workplace Safety in the Spotlight for Young Entrepreneurs? Award (107k, pdf)
TORONTO, February 14, 2008 - The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) is now accepting applications for the 2008 WSIB Chair's Health and Safety Excellence Award for Young Entrepreneurs.
January 2008
Guelph Joins WSIB on Road to Zero Injuries, Illnesses and Fatalities (70K, pdf)
TORONTO, January 29, 2008 - Guelph Mayor Karen Farbridge signed on to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board's (WSIB) Community Workplace Health and Safety Charter last night at Guelph City Hall, committing the city to eliminating workplace injuries, illnesses and fatalities.
Sault Ste. Marie Joins WSIB on Road to Zero Injuries, Illnesses and Fatalities (70k, pdf)
TORONTO, January 15, 2008 - Sault Ste. Marie Acting Mayor David Celetti signed on to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board's (WSIB) Community Workplace Health and Safety Charter last night at Sault Ste. Marie City Hall, committing the city to eliminating workplace injuries, illnesses and fatalities.
