What is Workplace Safety and Insurance?

Most workers in Ontario are covered by Workplace Safety and Insurance. The plan is governed by the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB), the government body that administers compensation and no fault insurance to Ontario employers and oversees workplace safety and insurance claims. It operates in compliance with the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act.

The WSIB collects ongoing contributions from employers, and pays benefits to workers who lose part or all their salary because of a work-related injury or disease. The Board also assists workers to get back their jobs or to find new work after they have recovered.

Workplace Safety and Insurance is a “no fault” system

Workplace Safety and Insurance is a no fault system, which means that benefits are provided to the injured employee no matter how the workplace injury or disease was caused. If an employee is entitled to benefits, the system takes away the employee’s right to sue the employer. The tradeoff of receiving ‘no fault benefits’ in exchange for giving up the right to sue, applies in all cases except situations where an employee may sue someone other than the employer for negligence. If the employee has a right to sue someone other than the employer, they may do so or they may choose to receive benefits under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act.

For more information, contact the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board.

								
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