Ontario WSIB has you covered during COVID-19 pandemic
By Tom Teahen
Industry Manufacturing coronavirus COVID-19 insurance manufacturing virus wsibOptions for manufacturers dealing with the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board during the crisis.
Helping to keep businesses working. Photo: Getty Images
The COVID-19 pandemic is changing the way manufacturers do business. Ontario’s Workplace Safety and Insurance Board offers options to make working with the WSIB easier that include new online services.
Financial relief. Working with the Ontario government, the WSIB developed a $1.9 billion package that allows any business to defer premium reporting and payments until August 31. All businesses are eligible for this deferral. Interest and penalties will also be waived during this time. Costs associated with COVID-19 related claims will not be allocated at an employer or class level, but on a schedule-wide basis and there will be no change in rates for 2020.
Support of people with claims. Although WSIB offices are closed, help is still available. Staff are actively managing claims, processing new claims and answering calls. People can also upload claim-related documents such as forms, letters, reports and receipts directly through the website. Wage loss benefits are continuing to be paid and all loss-of-earnings benefits are up to date. People whose workplace shuts down temporarily will continue to receive benefits.
Managing COVID-19 related claims. A team is working through COVID-19 related claims. While the nature of some people’s work may put them at greater risk of contracting the virus, any claims received will be adjudicated on a case-by-case basis.
People who contracted COVID-19 while at work – with a diagnosis or symptoms – can file a claim to determine if they are eligible for WSIB coverage.
People who believe they were exposed to COVID-19 while at work but are not ill at this time – no diagnosis or symptoms – should not file a claim. File an exposure incident form through the Program for Exposure Incident Reporting (PEIR) or Construction Exposure Incident Reporting (CEIR) program. Having an exposure incident report on file helps WSIB work through an eventual claim much faster.
The WSIB website (wsib.ca) has more information and updates about help during this difficult time.
Tom Teahen is president and CEO of Ontario’s Workplace Safety and Insurance Bureau (WSIB). Visit www.wsib.ca.
