WSIB doubles HSEP rebates for smaller businesses in 2023
The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) says it will extend its program of extra financial incentives for small businesses that participate in the Health and Safety Excellence Program (HSEP).
The board announced on September 28 that it would extend the incentive program first announced last June through the 2023 calendar year. The program sees small employers – those with 99 or fewer employees – earn double their usual rebates for completed HSEP elements, and receive $1,000 toward their health and safety plans.
“Joining our Health and Safety Excellence program and receiving the added benefits is a no-brainer for many smaller businesses,” said Jeffery Lang, President and CEO of the WSIB. “We know smaller businesses are still recovering from the pandemic, so it's a crucial time for us to double up on our support and incentives. Every business that invests in health and safety means fewer injuries in the long run.”
The HSEP connects Ontario businesses with approved providers in their industry or community to help design a plan based on 36 available health and safety topics. For each topic completed, businesses can earn a rebate on their WSIB premiums.
Since its inception in 2020, the program has distributed over $25 million in rebates.
The WSIB says smaller-business enrollment in the Health and Safety Excellence program has increased by 60 percent since the additional benefits were first announced in June 2022.
“The WSIB’s Health and Safety Excellence program reinforces that improving safety in the workplace is not just good practice, it’s good for business,” said Rocco Rossi, President and CEO, Ontario Chamber of Commerce. “We’re pleased that the WSIB is continuing to offer double rebates into 2023 as it will incentivize many of our smaller business members to continue to invest in their workplace safety and improve their safety culture while saving money on premiums.”
“We applaud the WSIB for continuing to offer additional incentives to the end of 2023, allowing even more small businesses to double their rebates while creating safer workplaces,” said Ryan Mallough, Vice President, Legislative Affairs (Ontario), Canadian Federation of Independent Business. “This is especially important coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic, as 60 per cent of Ontario’s small businesses still aren’t back to normal revenue levels.”
More information about the HSEP is available at wsib.ca/healthandsafety.