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Previous to this policy change, employers who were engaged
in industries that are covered on a compulsory basis
were required to register with the WSIB within 10 days
of hiring their first worker. Employers who were not
registered with the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board
(WSIB), but who should have been by law, were subject
to significant financial and legal penalties. In 2005
and 2006, the WSIB caught over 16,000 non-compliant
employers.
”Some of these businesses were simply unaware that
they were required to register, and others that became
aware after commencing business were deterred from registering
due to the WSIB’s strict policy, which required voluntary
registrants to pay retroactive premiums for the length
of time that the business was not registered, plus interest
and penalties. A small minority were aware of their
obligation to register but did not. As a result, these
businesses didn’t contribute to the WSIB’s activities
through premiums, and often avoided liability by directly
paying injured workers sums, which were less than they
would have received under the fund. These businesses
benefited from an unfair cost advantage at the expense
of workers and others,” says BBOT CEO Sheldon Leiba.
Voluntary Registration is a new policy for employers
who are not registered with the WSIB, but who should
be registered. Under the Voluntary Registration policy,
employers are encouraged to step forward and register
their business with terms that are favourable.
Full Amnesty
From October 29, 2007 until March 31, 2008, there will
be a full amnesty for voluntary registrants. A full
amnesty means no penalties for not reporting, no reconciliation
interest, no retroactive premiums, and no prosecution
under the Provincial Offences Act at the time of registration.
Premium remittance will begin from the date of first
contact with the WSIB.
Permanent Program
Beginning April 1, 2008 and on a continuing basis, all
voluntary registrants will receive a partial amnesty,
including no penalties, no reconciliation interest on
retroactive premiums, or prosecution at the time of
registration. However, premiums will be retroactive
to the date of first hire or January 1 of the year preceding
the date of voluntary registration, whichever is later.
Important to note
The policy is not applicable to employers who have been
identified for registration by the WSIB's various enforcement
activities prior to their voluntary registration.
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