Ontario Construction News staff writer
The provincial government has introduced legislation to protect employers from an unexpected increase in Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) premiums, while maintaining an increase to the maximum earnings cap for workers’ benefits.
The Workplace Safety and Insurance Amendment Act, 2020, introduced on Dec. 8, will, if passed, alleviate potential WSIB problems caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ontario General Contractors’ Association (OGCA) says.
“Since the pandemic began, the OGCA has predicted a problem arising from the sudden loss of jobs among lower-wage workers outside the construction sector due to their impact on the average industrial wage (AIG).,” the OGCA reported in its Dec. 22 newsletter.
“These job losses have increased the AIG of Ontario workers by 7.8 per cent, compared to an average increase of 2 to 3 percent for 2021. If passed, this legislation will limit the impact the increase the AIG has on WSIB premiums to 2 per cent.
“The Workplace Safety and Insurance Amendment Act, 2020 should make sure OGCA members aren’t subject to sudden undue costs during the pandemic and the recovery phase,” the statement says. “The new amendment will not impact the 7.8 per cent increase in the earnings cap for workers, ensuring they will continue to be fairly compensated for work-related injuries and occupational diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
“We will continue advocating on behalf of OGCA members to the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development and the WSIB. As some of Ontario’s safest employers, our organization has taken the leading role during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure businesses are supported during recovery.”