WSIB coverage for construction to be mandatory in 2013

Ontario encouraging industry to pre-register

Ontario’s Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) has launched a year-long campaign to encourage independent operators and others working in the construction industry to voluntarily pre-register for workers’ compensation coverage.

Beginning next year, coverage will be mandatory.

Amendments to the province’s Workplace Safety and Insurance Act were passed in 2008 to make workers’ compensation coverage mandatory for independent operators, sole proprietors, some partners in a partnership and some executive officers who work in the construction industry.

The amendments become law Jan.1, 2013. The change means independent operators, executive officers and partners in a partnership working in construction who have no workers will be required to have WSIB coverage as of next year.

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 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).

Amendments that allow the affected individuals to pre-register with the WSIB took effect Jan. 1, 2012. The amendments allow the individuals to register with the board until Dec. 31, 2012, but pay no premiums until next January when coverage begins.

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