You may think that you don't need to know who the WSIB is, especially if you're planning to move from Ontario to Newark, New Jersey anyway, but if you're a worker in Ontario, knowing about the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board is essential. Getting injured on the job building a wedding rental in Burlington could even net you an insurance payoff that would cover your new house in Newark. To learn more about the WSIB and what they do for workers in Ontario, read on.

The WSIB or Workplace Safety and Insurance Board, administers the provincial workplace insurance that protects workers and employers in Ontario. It also oversees safety training and education for everything from heatshrink sleeving factories to offices in Ontario. The board was created in 1915 by an act of parliament and has expenses in excess of five billion dollars which is not entirely covered by the insurance premiums paid by employers.

In order to close the looming gap between spending and revenue and also to preserve the lives of Ontario's workers, the WSIB puts a lot of work into preventing workplace accidents by educating workers and their employers on proper safety practices. They might come to Tires Toronto to do a safety inspection, run a class for new employees, or help employees find the right way to bring safety concerns to their bosses. Through fact sheets, testing, and certifications, the WSIB ensures that everyone knows the risks associated with their jobs and how to avoid them.

For employers, the WSIB offers a way for employers to easily manage the costs of running their business and reduce the losses in profits that would arise from having to stop work on a new Toronto office space because of a worker's accident. They also offer incentive programs and training so employers can encourage their workers to work safely. Employers can manage claims, pay their premiums, and even arrange for training using the internet, which makes it easier to be safe. The insurance offered is no fault, which means there are no arguments over who is responsible - worker or employer.

For employees, the WSIB is like a safety net. They provide training so that everyone from pavers to carpenters knows how to do their jobs safely. And if an accident or illness does affect you because of your job, they make sure that you are cared for property and supported while you're off work. The emphasis is on helping people get back to work after injuries, even if it's not the same kind of work as before, by providing retraining and job leads. In extreme cases the WSIB may pay out permanent disability benefits to workers, but it is certainly not their aim to do so as it is very expensive.