E-bulletins
The Office of the Employer Adviser's e-bulletins are designed to inform employers about changes in workplace safety insurance policies and procedures and to highlight business issues of interest. If you would like to be notified when new issues become available, please send us an email at: oeanews@ontario.ca.
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April 2012 (PDF 478kb) New
Director's Message: Section 50
Tip of the Month: Consider informing injured workers about the time limit for filing a
WSIB claim so they can meet their obligations if they are seeking WSIB benefits,
and you can protect your business from a worker’s request to extend the time
to file a claim several months (or years) down the road
WSIB Chair Steve Mahoney not seeking reappointment
C. D. Howe Institute reports on the WSIB’s unfunded liability
Continue to direct requests for SIEF relief to the Case Manager
WSIB releases Framework for Policy Development and Renewal
WSIB releasing work reintegration (WR) summary assessment reports to employers
CBC highlights carcinogens in Canadian workplaces
Nanoparticles Cause Brain Injury in Fish
USA lists dry cleaning chemical to the list of “likely carcinogens”
Occupational exposure to Trichloroethylene (TCE) results in six-fold increased risk of
Parkinson’s disease
Commonly used herbicide “atrazine” linked to reproductive problems in animals
American government adds eight substances to its Report on Carcinogens
Link established between polyfluorinated compounds (PFCs) in office air, and in the
blood of office workers
OEA helps confirm worker not entitled to further LOE benefits following termination of
employment
December 2011 - Special Construction Update (PDF 13kb)
Bill 119 will be proclaimed into force effective January 1, 2012
December 2011 (PDF 118kb)
Director's Message: Major initiatives at the WSIB
Tip of the Month: Ensure you meet your obligations in the WR process.
WSIB extends phone coverage hours
WSIAT: Employer entitled to retroactive CAD-7 adjustment under “exceptional circumstances”
WSIB Work Reintegration Complaints Office launched
WSIB has changed its approach to out-of-province motor vehicle accidents and transfer of costs issues
Women working night shifts may face an increased risk of cardiovascular disease
OEA helps ensure the denial of initial entitlement for degenerative disc disease (DDD) is upheld
November 2011 - Special Construction Update (PDF 12kb)
Bill 119 will NOT take effect on January 1, 2012
November 2011 (PDF 188kb)
Director's Message: Work Reintegration Initiative
Tip of the Month: The WSIB’s new Work Reintegration (WR) policies provide that
employers have a duty to accommodate an injured worker’s return to suitable work.
Make sure you understand what your accommoation obligations are, and how to meet
them.
WSIB releases 2010 KPMG Value for Money Audit (VFMA)
WSIB releases Q2 report
WSIB revises NEL policies
WSIB provides a WR brochure
WSIB launches eClearance Mobile system
OEA helps ensure continuing entitlement to LOE benefits is not granted where the
employer provided suitable modified work
June 2011 (PDF 122kb)
Director's Message: Work Reintegration policies
Tip of the Month: You may want to consider providing signed statements from
the worker, and any witnesses, to the WSIB.
Steve Mahoney reappointed Chair, WSIB
WSIB revised the Form 8
Bill 110 affects LRI benefits and NEL awards
WSIB expands the Specialty Clinics Program
WSIB makes changes to the Acute Low Back Injuries Program of Care
WSIB establishes a Customer Experience Office
WSIB released a Work Transition fact sheet
WSIB Funding Review
Bill 160 Receives Royal Assent
Study identifies the pathophysiological changes in brain function of workers exposed
to solvents
OEA helps an employer obtain a time limit extension at the WSIAT
February 2011 - Special Update (PDF 10kb)
WSIB eClearance update
January 2011 - Special Update (PDF 13kb)
WSIB’s electronic service for clearance certificates is now online
December 2010 - Special Update (PDF 13kb)
Director's Message: Interim WSIB Work Reintegration Polices
November 2010 - Special Update (PDF 23kb)
WSIB Releases Interim Work Reintegration Policies, and a Draft Work Reintegration
NEER Policy
October 2010 (PDF 126kb)
Director's Message: Funding Review
Tip of the Month: Ensure workers are cooperating in appropriate health care
WSIB provides “Premium Rates Backgrounders”
New WSIB Appeals Branch guidelines released
WSIB develops Workwell audit tool for small employers
WSIB French Language Services are available
Arthritis may be linked to nutritional deficiencies and other exposures during the
developmental years
International Pain Summit drafts guidelines to help countries develop national pain
management strategies
Report says family doctors prescribe drugs improperly
Legislation to monitor prescription narcotics introduced by Ontario government
Study finds nanoparticles cross the placenta
Leading PTSD practitioners present global treatment guidelines
OEA ensures reconsideration is not granted based on reply evidence
June 2010 (PDF 98kb)
Director's Message: Appeals
Tip of the Month: Initial Entitlement (Disablement) advice column
Employers must accommodate injured workers to the point of undue hardships
Clarifying the phrase “unable to work” for re-employment purposes
WSIB has four specialty teams
WSIB released its fourth quarter financial report for 2009
WSIB reviewing Bill 119 submissions
Nova Scotia WCAT grants entitlement for chronic sun exposure
Workers exposed to common industrial solvent may be at greater risk of developing
Parkinson’s disease
President’s Cancer Panel says environmental cancer risk is underestimated
Expert Advisory Panel on Occupational Health and Safety wrapping up consultation period
June 2010 - Special Update (PDF 18kb)
WSIB Announces Significant Changes to LMR Program
April 2010 (PDF 93kb)
Director’s Message: Changes to the WSIB structure
Tip of the Month: Hiring Considerations
Standing Committee on Public Accounts reviews the WSIB’s unfunded liability
Revised WSIB Appeals System Practice and Procedures guidelines released for
consultation
Designated AROs are assigned to SIEF appeals
WSIB’s 2010 Reconciliation Guide is now available
OEA helps an employer reverse initial entitlement based on worker inconsistencies and
lack of proof of accident
February 2010 (PDF 154kb)
Director's Message: WSIB - New Developments
Tip of the Month: Alternative Formats
New WSIB President and CEO on board
WSIB released draft policies for mandatory coverage in construction and for e-clearance
certificates for ALL employers who use them using data from an employer’s smaller
rate group
Ontario workplace safety system to be reviewed
WSIB announces new “Narcotic strategy”
WSIB practice of awarding LOE to retired workers earning no wages has ceased
Divisional Court decision upholds WSIAT decision in favour of a worker injured while
travelling for an emergency call
WSIB Ergonomist positions have been eliminated
SIEF Specialty Team issuing “21-day confirmation letters”
2010 WSIB benefit rates increased
WSIB released 2009 third quarter report
12 HSAs have merged to create four new entities
Correction: WSIB revenue decisions are not referred to the Appeals Specialty Team
OEA helps employer obtain a retroactive Merit Adjusted Premium (MAP) Plan adjustment
December 2009 (PDF 114kb)
Director’s Message: Affects of economic downturn
Tip of the Month: Full cooperation with WSIB during an audit
Ontario government nominated David Marshall as new WSIB President & CEO
New change in WSIB appeal decision process
Auditor General’s report addresses the WSIB’s $11.5 billion unfunded liability
IWH guide reduces MSD hazards in the workplace
Employer complaint submitted to Fairness Commissioner
Divisional Court may be unclear about the role of workers’ compensation
WSIB says most cases of H1N1 influenza will not be work-related
WSIB consultation on Joint Health and Safety Committee certification program begins
WSIB reports improvements in overall health & safety performance
Combination of noise and chemicals may increase the risk of hearing loss
WSIB implemented changes to the Hearing Devices policy
OEA helps employer avoid financial penalty for voluntary registration
November 2009 (PDF 117kb)
Director's Message: H1N1 in the workplace
Tip of the Month: Premium Payments and Benefits
OEA will highlight WSIB policy changes on its web site
Charter challenge before the WSIAT
Select ARO decisions are available on the Canadian Legal Information Institute (CanLII)
web site
New central team at the WSIB adjudicates all Second Injury and Enhancement Fund
(SIEF) applications
New Construction Exposure Incident Reporting (CEIR) program
Ontario Superior Court says “no” to time limits for certain WSIA offences
WSIB identifies common reporting errors
WSIB releases 2008 Statistical Supplement and Young Worker Statistics
WSIB released 2nd quarter financial report
WSIB focuses on “Injury Hotspots”
Institute for Work & Health have released a guide to identify and solve return to work
problems
Occupational Cancer Research Centre (OCRC) will host the first annual OCRC
Research Day
OEA helps employer with optional insurance receive a refund on premium remittances
paid when the business was “discontinued” due to the employer’s compensable injury
July 2009 – Special Update (PDF 23kb)
WSIB releases 2010 preliminary premium rates
June 2009 (PDF 129kb)
Director's Message: Summer Job Safety
Tip of the Month: Experience Rating Record
Steve Mahoney reappointed as WSIB Chair
Jill Hutcheon completing her term as WSIB President
Steve Mahoney wraps up consultation
Results of the Value for Money Audit (VFMA) of the WSIB Appeals Program released
LMR the subject of the 2009 WSIB Value for Money Audit
Fair Practices Commission has released its 2008 Annual Report
WSIB’s 2008 fourth quarter report released
Institute for Work and Health (IWH) policy brief analyzes the impact of recessions on
workers’ compensation issues
Institute for Work and Health (IWH) says symptoms of depression are “pervasive” among
workers with MSDs
Ontario Lung Association says asthma is the most common work-related lung disease
Ontario Superior Court awards $500,000+ in damages for work-related stress
OEA ensures WSIAT upholds the employer’s right to participate in the appeal process
OEA helps employer receive a time extension at the WSIAT
May 2009 – Special Construction Update (PDF 19kb)
WSIB defers construction re-employment penalties until September 15, 2009
April 2009 (PDF 106kb)
Director's Message: Suggestions to improve WSIB
New Service Delivery Model (NSDM) Update
WSIB announced three new members to its Board of Directors
Changes to WSIAT hearing centres in Hamilton, St. Catharines & Oshawa starting July
1st
WSIB increased NSF charges to $40 starting April 1/09
"WSIAT Research and Hearing Preparation" presentation on-line
Occupational Cancer Research Centre launched
Denmark’s workers’ compensation system is the first to recognize breast cancer linked
to shift work
CFIB health and safety e-learning program available to all employers
Ontario Superior Court awarded $500,000+ in damages for workplace abuse
Ministry of Labour proposed new legislation to address workplace violence and
harassment
Free tool available to help Canadian employers address the psychological safety and
health of their workers
OEA helps uphold decision denying reinstatement of LOE benefits and the finding of no
existing permanent impairment
OEA helps employer receive a refund on additional premiums inappropriately charged
due to a classification change
In changing times, it’s nice when something remains the same!
March 2009 (PDF 90kb)
Director's Message: Stakeholders participation with the WSIB
Tip of the Month: Form 7 Details
WSIB continues to roll out its New Service Delivery Model (NSDM)
“Determining the Date of Injury” policy amended
2009 WSIB benefit rates released
OEA Advice Centre links employer with timely services
OEA helps uphold decision denying entitlement for health care benefits, LOE and
fibromyalgia
Sometimes experience matters most!
March 2009 – Special Update (PDF 16kb)
WSIB Releases Experience Rating Report
December 2008 (PDF 106kb)
Tip of the Month: Requesting Claim File Information
WSIB revises policies to reflect the New Service Delivery Model
WSIB / CRA Registration Program uncovers $47.3 million in billable WSIB premiums
between 2004 and 2007
Supreme Court of Canada to review the Royal Oak Mines explosion
“The Employer’s Guide to Workplace Safety and Insurance” revised
OEA helps uphold decision denying entitlement for psychotraumatic disability arising
from a compensable injury
OEA helps uphold decision that its sub-contractors are independent operators
November 2008 – Special Construction Update (PDF 14kb)
Amended Bill 119 passed in 3rd reading
November 2008 – Special Construction Update (PDF 24kb)
Bill 119 proposes to create mandatory coverage in construction
October 2008 (PDF 112kb)
Tip of the Month: Remove Costs
WSIB released its Statistical Supplement to the 2007 Annual Report
OEA helps to ensure independent operator status is recognized
OEA helps to ensure an employer has the opportunity to appeal initial entitlement
October 2008 – Special Construction Update (PDF 10kb)
Ontario government announces plan to introduce mandatory WSIB coverage in the
construction industry
September 2008 (PDF 150kb)
Tip of the Month: Effective Claims
WSIB outlines the new positions in its new service delivery model
Standing Committee on Government Agencies reviews the WSIB
New Minister of Labour: Peter Fonseca
2009 WSIB premium rates finalized
WSIB occupational disease consultation deadline extended
Value for money audit of the WSIB/CRA registration program released
WSIB’s 2007 Annual Report available
Firefighter cancer claim costs soar for municipalities
WSIB increases the number of Regional Evaluation Centres
Study shows a presenting history of Raynaud’s phenomenon in workers seeking
compensation for HAVS may not be accurate
New medical treatment guidelines from the American College of Occupational and
Environmental Medicine for treating workers with chronic pain
OEA helps rescind initial entitlement and restore the employer’s cost records
OEA helps to ensure appropriate classification
September 2008 – Special Construction Update (PDF 13kb)
Re-employment Policies for the Construction Industry are in Force
July 2008 (PDF 68kb)
Tip of the Month: Avoiding WSIB Processing Delays
WSIAT has jurisdiction to consider arguments raised pursuant to the Human Rights
Code
2009 WSIB preliminary premium rates released
New fatality penalty policy
WSIB hosting regional information sessions on the accreditation program
Two cancers added to the presumption clause for B.C. firefighters
WSIB occupational disease policies released for consultation
WSIB Forms 6 and 7 can be submitted electronically
Canadian WCB unions calling for sweeping reforms
Regulations implemented to prevent workplace violence in federally regulated
workplaces
OEA helps uphold decision that the accident employer had not breached its re-
employment obligation
OEA helps uphold decision denying additional LOE benefits, a Non-Economic Loss
Assessment and a Labour Market Re-entry plan
May 2008 (PDF 82kb)
Tip of the Month: Worker's NEL Award
Experience rating fatality penalty in effect
WSIB encouraging a more liberal use of letters of credit
Recent full amnesty program added 1,100 new employers
Some WSIB health care fees have increased
First Canadian company convicted under the Criminal Code for a workplace death
Study: Workplace bullying can have “severe mental health repercussions”
Motor vehicle accidents caused by employees conducting work-related business on cell
phones result in American employers being sued
“Cold haemagglutinin disease” may be misdiagnosed as “hand-arm vibration
syndrome” (HAVS)
OEA increased Second Injury and Enhancement Fund (SIEF) relief from 75% to 90%
OEA helps uphold the decision to close LOE benefits for an unsuccessful return to work
Book by Dr. Heather Tick: Life Beyond the Carpal Tunnel: From Pain to Healing
April 2008 (PDF 74kb)
Tip of the Month: WSIB Return to Work
Possible Legislative Amendment to Include the Accident Costs of Temp Workers in the
Employer’s Experience Rating Record
WSIB Releases new Prevention Strategy
WSIB Introduced a New Program of Care for Lower Extremity Injuries
WSIB Appeals Practice and Procedure Guidelines Updated January 2008
The @wsib Newsletter Can be Delivered Directly to You
Overnight Shift Work Identified by IARC as a “Probable Carcinogen”
OHRC Decision Upholds the Right of Individuals with a Mental Disability to be
Appropriately Accommodated in the Workplace
OEA Gets 100% Second Injury and Enhancement Fund (SIEF) Relief
OEA Helps Overturn Initial Entitlement Claim for Chronic Pain Disability
April 2008 – Important Announcement (PDF 19kb)
WSIB Reviewing Experience Rating
WSIB Guideline for Faxing all WSIB Claim-Related Information
March 2008 – Important Announcement (PDF 25kb)
New Regulation for Return to Work and Re-employment in the Construction Industry
December 2007 (PDF 107kb)
Tip of the Month: WSIB's Physical Demands Information Form
WSIB’s Five-Year Strategic Plan, "The Road to Zero (2008-2012)" Released
Graphic WSIB Road to Zero Campaign Ads Attract International Criticism and Praise
Newfoundland-Labrador Supreme Court Decides Cancer Contracted by a Fuel Truck
Driver Who Worked at a Mine for 45 Years is Work Related
Canadian Human Rights Commission Says Individuals with Environmental Sensitivities
Are Required by Law to be Accommodated
International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Calls on Canadian Government to Ban
PBDEs
City of Brampton Joins WSIB Road to Zero Campaign
New Book: The Secret History of the War on Cancer
October 2007 – Important Announcement (PDF 15kb)
New WSIB Voluntary Registration Policy in Effect
October 2007 (PDF 95kb)
Workplace Stress Can Kill
WSIB General Enquiry Lines Now Automated
Stakeholder Submissions on Bill 187 Interim Changes
New Workplace Safety DVD Distributed to All Ontario High Schools
“Thinking Outside the Box”:An On-line tool to Promote Best Practices in Accommodation
New Article by Tee L. Guidotti:"Evaluating causality for occupational cancers: the example
of firefighters"
Free “Emergency Preparedness Guide for People With Disabilities / Special Needs” is
Available
Ergonomics Regulation for Federally Regulated Employers Expected to Come into Effect
in Fall 2007
September 2007 @wsib Newsletter On-line
New and Revised WSIAT Practice Directions Effective October 1, 2007
WSIB’s 2006 Statistical Supplement and Young Worker Statistics Now Available
The Toronto Star Series Focuses on Pain Management
Tip of the Month: Defer a Workwell Audit
September 2007 (PDF 118kb)
WSIB is Bringing Accreditation to Ontario Workplaces
WSIB Releases its Report Summarizing Stakeholder Feedback from the Second Round
of Consultation on the Revised Draft Early and Safe Return to Work Policies
WSIB is Developing a System for Employers to Complete and Submit Form 7s
Electronically
WSIB Warns Employers Not to Buy WSIB Posters from Third Parties
Schedule 1 Employers Can Submit Changes to the WSIB About General Business
Information Through ServiceOntario
Ontario Professional Fire Fighters Association “Laying the Foundation” for Lou Gehrig’s
Disease in its Members
WSIAT Releases New “Notice of Appeal for Employers”
WSIAT Will Require All Representatives to Provide Information About Their Licensing
Status After October 31, 2007
WSIB's 2006 Annual Report Available
WSIAT’s 2006 Annual Report Available
Potentially Compensable Mesothelioma Cases May Be Under-reported
Study Finds Emissions from Some Laser Printers Are Equivalent to Cigarettes
New Book Published: How Doctors Think
Tip of the Month: “Adjudication Support Documents”
June 2007 – Important Announcement (PDF 21kb)
WSIB Announces 2008 Preliminary Premium Rates
June 2007 (PDF 121kb)
WSIB's 2007 Young Worker Safety Program Underway
Study by the Institute for Work and Health Shows Most Canadian Workers Are Not
Receiving Safety Training
Protect Your Outdoor Workers from the Significant Risks of Sun Exposure
WSIB Releases New LMR Brochure
Canadian Human Rights Commission Publishes Return to Work Guide
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is Treatable
WHO Launches Clinical Trial Search Portal
Presumptive Legislation for Ontario Firefighters is Passed
Tip of the Month: How much workplace injuries are costing you
May 2007 (PDF 100kb)
What's New
New book on Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI) now available
Recent studies by Statistics Canada highlight
Resources to help workers with chronic illnesses
Tip of the Month: Modified Work Program Communication
March 2007 – Important Announcement (PDF 12kb)
Special 2007 Budget Edition - March 2007
March 2007 (PDF 90kb)
What’s New
Completing Independent Operator Questionnaires
Applying for SIEF Relief
NAOSH Week
WSIB Releases Consultation on ‘Accredited Workplaces’
Prevention Guide for Reducing Musculoskeletal Disorders
WSIB releases new Functional Abilities Form (FAF)
Tip of the Month: Critical Injuries
December 2006 (PDF 180kb)
WSIB’s ESRTW Consultation Continues
Employer Compliance
WSIB Conducts Value For Money Audit
Bill 111 Referred to Committee
Bill 211 Comes Into Effect December 12, 2006
Tip of the Month: Segregated Payrolls
September 2006 (PDF 198kb)
WSIB Electronic Newsletter Launched
September 2006 Workplace Health & Safety Disability Management Conference
Farm Workers Now Covered Under the Occupational Health and Safety Act
Regulatory Compliance Web Site for Auto Body Repair Businesses Piloted
Help Make Ontario Roads Safer for Everyone
First Aid Requirements (Regulation 1101)
MOL Action Group on Vulnerable Workers Under 25
Employers to Display Updated Employments Standards Poster
Canadian Businesses Not Prepared for a Pandemic
Tip of the Month: Receive Quick Action on your Claim
June 2006 (PDF 195kb)
WSIB’s ESRTW Consultation Continues
WSIB Policies Amended to Remove Reference to “Usual Healing Times”
MOL Consultation on Cancer Claims in Firefighters
Private Members' Bill Proposes Adding 12 Occupational Diseases to Schedule 3 of the
WSIA for Firefighters
WSIAT News Feed Services
Helping Employers Return Workers with Mental Health / Addiction Issues to Work
Encouraging Safety for Summer Jobs
Preventing Heat Stress
Pains and Strains” Resources
CME Business Guide for Pandemic Planning
Tip of the Month: Formal Objections in Writing
March 2006 (PDF 131kb)
New Calculate and Report Premium eService
2006 Revisions to NEER
2006 Revisions to CAD-7
Return to Work Consultation Complete
Rebates for Safety Groups Capped
NAOSH Week April 30 to May 6, 2006
Tip of the Month: Pandemic Flu
November 2005 (PDF 211kb)
WSIB Released RTW Draft Policies
New WSIB Program of Care for Upper Extremity Injuries
Tip of the Month: LMR Services
September 2005 (PDF 207kb )
New Form 6 for Workers as of November 1, 2005
New Form 7 for Employers as of November 1, 2005
WSIB Information Sessions on Changes to the CAD-7 Experience Rating Program
WSIB Information Sessions on Changes to the NEER Experience Rating Program
Final 2006 Premium Rates Announced
Tip of the Month: Looking for a Doctor?
June 2005 (PDF 255kb)
“Final Report of the Chair of the Occupational Disease Advisory Panel” Released
Changes to NEER & CAD-7
Tip of the Month: Check Your Statements
April 2005 (PDF 84kb)
Tip of the Month: Functional Abilities Information and the Nurse Case Manager
NAOSH Week
March 2005 (PDF 84kb)
Tip of the Month: Appeal System Practice & Procedures
WSIB and Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) Joint Registration Initiative
January 2005 (PDF 94kb)
Tip of the Month: Employer Classification Manual Online
Tip of the Month: Managing Noise-induced Hearing Loss Claims
JAIG's Report on Independent Operators and Executive Officers in the Construction
Industry
December 2004 (PDF 81kb)
Tip of the Month: Clearance Certificate
Executive Summary for the LMR Program
November 2004 (PDF 80kb)
Tip of the Month: Material Change in Circumstance
Employer's Direction of Authorization
September 2004 (PDF 77kb)
Tip of the Month: Executive Officer's Premiums
Online OPM and ECM Manuals
