Ontario moves forward with proposed amendments to workplace safety act

Proposed changes will be introduced when legislature resumes

Ontario is moving toward amending the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act (WSIA) to improve the long-term stability of the workers' compensation system.

"Our government is helping employers and workers find better ways to get people back to work,” said Minister of Labour Linda Jeffrey. “The proposed amendments would also help ensure fairness for the survivors of those who die from occupational disease."

The proposed changes will be introduced when the legislature resumes and if passed, would allow the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board to complete the following:

  • Review loss of earnings benefits after 72 months — currently benefits are generally “locked in” after 72 months, even if an injured worker's condition improves or they rejoin the workforce.
  • Base survivor benefits on the average earnings of the deceased worker's occupation or trade rather than the statutory minimum currently provided under the Act.

Ontario is the only province in Canada to “lock in” loss of earnings benefits after 72 months.

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