Understanding Ontario’s health and safety incentive programs
Ontario employers looking to strengthen their health and safety programs while earning Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) rebates have two options: the Health and Safety Excellence program (HSEp) and the Supporting Ontario’s Safe Employers (SOSE) program. While both programs reward prevention, they are designed for different stages of an organization’s health and safety journey.
Health and Safety Excellence program
The Health and Safety Excellence program is a performance-based incentive program developed by the WSIB and delivered by approved providers, such as Workplace Safety North (WSN). It provides a roadmap to help businesses build, strengthen, or formalize their health and safety systems.
HSEp is ideal for businesses of any size or experience level. Employers can select up to five health and safety topics to complete over a 12-month period, with guidance from a dedicated WSN Health and Safety Specialist.
HSEp benefits include:
- Step-by-step support to develop and implement safety systems
- Access to expert advice, tools, templates, and resources
- Improved safety culture, morale, and productivity
- WSIB rebates starting at $1,000 per completed topic, up to $50,000, capped at 100% of the previous year’s premiums
Currently, if a firm registers with WSN as an HSEp client, they are eligible to receive an additional $1,000 for having health and safety topics approved at the beginning of their journey. For more information, please visit Health and Safety Excellence program.
Supporting Ontario’s Safe Employers
Supporting Ontario’s Safe Employers is a voluntary program led by the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD). Businesses that achieve and maintain recognition may qualify for WSIB rebates for up to three consecutive years.
SOSE is best suited for organizations with well-established health and safety management systems already in place.
SOSE features include:
- Recognition for strong health and safety leadership
- Minimum rebates of $3,000 per year
- Maximum rebates of up to $300,000 in year one, with decreasing amounts in years two and three
- Ongoing requirements, such as annual safety culture surveys and a sustainable return-to-work program
Choosing the right program
Employers can take part in one program at a time and are encouraged to complete all HSEp topics before applying for SOSE recognition.
Related
Health and Safety Excellence Program | Workplace Safety North
Supporting Ontario’s Safe Employers Program | ontario.ca
Health and safety resources for small business | Workplace Safety North