The Office of the Employer Adviser (OEA) is an independent agency of the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development (MLTSD) and has been helping Ontario employers manage their workplace safety and insurance costs since 1985. We provide expert advice to any size employer and represent primarily employers who employ fewer than 100 workers. Our services are completely confidential, and you will never be charged a fee as the OEA is funded through the premiums or administrative fees you pay to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB). Our services are available throughout the province.
Workplace safety and insurance services for employers
Advice
We have professional advisers who are experienced in all aspects of workplace safety and insurance answering your telephone queries in our Advice Centre. We help to resolve disputes early in the process and ensure you are treated fairly at all levels in the workplace safety and insurance system. We give you the information you need to get injured workers back to work safely. We provide you with practical advice on claims and revenue matters.
Representation
Primarily for employers who employ fewer than 100 workers, we provide representation at appeals at both the WSIB, and the Workplace Safety and Insurance Appeals Tribunal (WSIAT).
Education
We conduct online webinars and educational seminars to inform and educate employers about their rights and obligations under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997 (WSIA).
Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) unlawful reprisal services for employers
The OEA assists employers who are confronted with unjust reprisal allegations raised under the OHSA. We provide employers with expert and confidential legal advice and representation before the Ontario Labour Relations Board (OLRB), at no fee to the employer.
Advice
We can respond to your telephone and online enquiries with legal advice regarding any current or potential reprisal allegations that arise in a health and safety context. We provide employers with proactive strategies to help them avoid becoming involved in unjust reprisal proceedings before the OLRB.
Representation
We offer representation in OHSA unjust reprisal matters before the OLRB to employers who employ fewer than 50 workers. We can help you to complete the OLRB’s response form, attend the mediation, and present your case at the hearing.
Education
We conduct online webinars and educational seminars to inform and educate employers about their rights and obligations under the OHSA as they relate to unjust reprisal allegations.