Ontario Workplace Safety and Insurance Board starts awareness campaign for independent operators

The Ontario Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) has launched an awareness campaign encouraging those working in the construction industry to educate themselves before mandatory coverage for independent operators comes into effect on Jan. 1, 2013.

TORONTO

The Ontario Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) has launched an awareness campaign encouraging those working in the construction industry to educate themselves before mandatory coverage for independent operators comes into effect on Jan. 1, 2013.

Independent operators and small business owners in construction have to register to begin paying WSIB premiums for office staff, managers and partners starting in the New Year. Proponents for the changes to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, such as the Ontario Construction Secretariat, say it will level the playing field within the construction industry.

Critics say the changes will kill construction jobs and drive more people into the underground economy.

Construction employers are currently required to have WSIB coverage for their employees. Now, most independent operators, sole proprietors, partners in a partnership and executive officers in a corporation working in construction will also need to have WSIB coverage. Executive officers and partners whose businesses are already registered with the WSIB also must begin to report their own earnings and pay premiums.

The legislation will affect an estimated 90,000 independent operators who never had to pay into WSIB before.

There is an exemption for home renovators who are contracted directly with the person occupying the residence and work exclusively in home renovation.

Businesses are also allowed to select one executive officer or partner to apply for an exemption from coverage. This must be an individual who does not perform any construction work on any building site, including on-site supervision.

There is a pre-registration period for Bill 119 from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2013, with the changes becoming mandatory on Jan. 1, 2013.

The awareness campaign will run throughout the year and a website has also been developed for it which can be found at www.BeRegisteredBeReady.ca .

The website lists coverage benefits as: financial security, value for your premium dollars, services/expertise, customer service, and simple e-services.

DCN NEWS SERVICES