The purpose of the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board’s Health & Safety Excellence Program is to help businesses create safer workplaces and earn rebates on WSIB premiums.
Benefits: It helps reduce the risk of injuries and illnesses, improves business reputation by showcasing commitment to health and safety, and boosts employee confidence, morale, and productivity.
Special Incentives for Small Businesses: Businesses with 1-99 full-time employees can earn double the rebates on annual WSIB premiums, plus $1,000 toward their health and safety plan. For information on how this program and WSIB impacts construction businesses specifically, check out the blog post WSIB Premiums for Construction Businesses in 2024.
Health & Safety Excellence Program: Structure and Participation
Guidance: WSIB-approved program providers assist businesses in developing a health and safety action plan.
Levels and Topics: The program has three levels – foundation, intermediate, and advanced, encompassing 39 topics across these levels.
Eligibility: Businesses must have an active WSIB account and at least one full-time employee to participate.
Enrolment Process: Businesses can start by choosing a program provider or speaking with a program consultant.
Rebates Calculation
Factors: Rebates depend on the number of completed health and safety topics, business size, and previous year’s WSIB premiums.
Limits: Maximum rebate is $50,000 per topic, capped at the amount of the previous year’s WSIB premiums. Small businesses can earn up to $9,000, including $1,000 for their health and safety plan.
Recognition and Resources
Digital Badges: Participants receive badges to display their commitment to workplace health and safety.
Additional Information: The WSIB Health & Safety Excellence Program page provides links to FAQs, provider choices, information sessions, and details about the Small Business Health and Safety Leadership Awards.