Workwell

The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) performs on-site health and safety evaluations of workplaces that have consistently poor safety records. Based on these evaluations, employers may be subject to increased premium charges and other surcharges. The WSIB Workwell evaluator audits workplace conditions by touring the workplaces, examining health and safety programs, observing health and safety practices, and interviewing workers. Evaluated employers receive a report on health and safety problems found in their workplace and recommendations for improvement. If you are being evaluated under Workwell, you can find more information here.

The Evaluation Process

Employers are notified in writing of the impending health and safety evaluation under Section 82 of the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act (WSIA). A Workwell evaluator will contact the employer to set up an appointment for a visit.

During the visit, the Workwell evaluator will meet with the employer and a worker representative and will spend a half-day up to a full day to:

• Observe the firm's practices and procedures and health and safety program in action;
• Conduct random interviews with workers on-site;
• Review relevant documentation.

After the visit, the Workwell evaluator will send each participant involved in the evaluation process a completed report. The scoring is "all or nothing", meaning no credit is given for meeting part of the requirements of a particular element. The completed report may also be sent to the MOL and your industry's safe workplace association. If your organization does not achieve the 75% passing score, you will have six months to demonstrate improvement. At that time a second evaluation will be completed.

If your organization fails the second evaluation, an additional charge is applied to your premium. This can range from 10% to 75% of your base annual premium depending on the extent and seriousness of the health and safety program shortfalls.

How can Comp Advantage Inc. help?

Comp Advantage Inc. will perform a shadow Workwell evaluation to estimate your organization's score. We can then assist with health and safety policy development and implementation and provide in-house training.

Why wait for a WSIB evaluation when it is easier to implement safe work practices and programs on your own terms and timelines?

If you have concerns about your organization's risk exposure related to Workwell, please call Tom Plant 1-888-852-2667 or Dennis Carter 1-800-361-2667.