In this issue:
  • COVID-19 update
  • COVID-19 worker income protection benefit program
  • Apply now for 2021 Small Business Health and Safety Leadership Awards
  • Health and Safety Excellence program delivers largest quarterly rebate to date
  • Financial relief package reminder
  • Celebrating one year of online services 
COVID-19 update
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have helped more than 25,000 people who have contracted COVID-19 through their workplace, and we want to ensure that everyone knows we are here to help. Updated COVID-19 FAQs, including vaccine information (as of April 15, 2021), can be found on our website along with COVID-19 claims data which is updated weekly.

We encourage anyone who believes they contracted COVID-19 in the workplace to contact us and file a claim. If an employee has tested positive for COVID-19 and tells you they believe they contracted COVID-19 in the workplace, you are required to report the illness to the WSIB, even if you feel that the employee did not contract it at work. It is the WSIB’s responsibility to determine the work-relatedness of claims – potential work-related claims should always be reported.
COVID-19 worker income protection benefit program
The Ontario COVID-19 worker income protection benefit application portal is now live and open to all Ontario businesses. Eligible businesses will be reimbursed up to $200 per day for up to three days for emergency leave related to COVID-19.

To learn more about the program, visit the Ontario COVID-19 worker income protection benefit web page or contact the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development at
1-888-999-2248. For WSIB-specific questions, see our COVID-19 FAQs for business accounts
Apply now for 2021 Small Business Health and Safety Leadership Awards
This year, our Small Business Health and Safety Leadership Awards recognize all of the efforts made by small businesses to improve workplace safety – whether they’re big enhancements or small changes.

Apply now for your chance to win one of our awards. The top three businesses will receive a monetary prize of $5,000 (gold), $3,000 (silver) or $2,000 (bronze), and recognition at a ceremony in November.
Don’t delay! Applications close on July 9.
Financial relief package reminder
All businesses that participated in our COVID-19 financial relief package have until June 30, 2021 to repay any deferred amounts, interest-free. Deferred payments can be made through our online services at wsib.ca/onlineservices.

Starting July 1, 2021 interest will be applied to outstanding amounts and clearance eligibility for businesses with remaining balances may be impacted if they have not previously established a payment arrangement with us. 

We understand the ongoing financial difficulties for Ontario businesses due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and we are here to help. If you require additional support with reporting, payment of your premiums, repayment of deferred amounts or have questions about your clearance eligibility, please contact us at employeraccounts@wsib.on.ca or call 1-800-387-0750 and we will be happy to work with you.
Health and Safety Excellence program delivers largest quarterly rebate to date
This June, we released the largest quarterly rebate payout since the launch of our Health and Safety Excellence program. More than 200 businesses strengthened their health and safety programs, earning over $3.2 million in rebates this quarter.

Sign up today and become one of the thousands of businesses improving health and safety and investing in safer workplaces across Ontario.  
Celebrating one year of online services  
It’s been one year since we launched online services that make it easier for people with claims to access the information they need and get in touch with us when it’s most convenient for them.

With our online services, people can sign up to check their claim status, latest payments and approved benefits. They can also submit documents straight to their file, add their direct deposit information and send us a message – anytime. For more information visit wsib.ca/myclaim.
"What's New" | A newsletter by the Ministry of Labour

Stay updated on current news from the Ministry of Labour by subscribing to What's New. Delivered monthly to your inbox, this newsletter features the latest on occupational health and safety, employment standards and labour relations that could affect you and your workplace.
The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) is here to help. When an injury or illness happens on the job, we move quickly to provide wage-loss benefits, medical coverage and support to help people get back to work. Funded by businesses, we also provide no-fault collective liability insurance and access to industry-specific health and safety information. We are one of the largest insurance organizations in North America covering over five million people in more than 300,000 workplaces across Ontario.
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