The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) has announced significant updates to its Health and Safety Excellence program (HSEp), offering businesses in Ontario new opportunities to improve workplace safety. These enhancements aim to streamline the program, provide additional support for businesses of all sizes, and expand resources for psychological health and safety.
The HSEp is a performance-based incentive program designed to help businesses strengthen their health and safety programs. By participating, organizations can reduce workplace risks, enhance compliance with Ontario safety regulations, and receive financial rebates for implementing effective safety measures. Workplace Safety North (WSN), an approved HSEp provider, supports businesses in navigating the program and achieving measurable improvements in workplace safety.
With applications open until March 28, 2025, organizations are encouraged to take advantage of these new updates and register for the program.
Key updates to the program
1. New rebate structure
A key change for 2025 is the introduction of a simplified rebate structure, making it easier for businesses to estimate financial benefits.
- Rebates will now be based solely on WSIB premiums and the number of completed safety topics.
- Small businesses with 1 to 99 employees will qualify for an additional $1,000 incentive when their health and safety action plan is approved.
- To support the transition, WSIB will automatically apply the higher rebate amount (based on the old versus new structure) until July 2026.
These updates provide a more predictable rebate system, ensuring that most businesses receive equal or greater financial benefits than in previous years.
2. New psychological health and safety topics
In response to growing concerns about mental health in the workplace, WSIB has introduced two new psychological health and safety training topics:
- Psychological Health and Safety 1: Assessing Your Risk – Helps businesses identify and assess psychosocial hazards in the workplace, ensuring they have the right strategies in place to support employees experiencing mental health concerns.
- Psychological Health and Safety 2: Reducing Your Risk – Focuses on implementing control measures to prevent psychological stressors and create a safer, more productive work environment.
These additions provide structured support for addressing workplace mental health challenges, helping businesses align with national standards and reduce psychological hazards for employees.
3. Stronger topic selection requirements
Businesses are now required to select safety topics that introduce new improvements rather than revisiting existing policies or procedures.
- Employers must develop written safety standards for each topic and submit them during validation.
- Topics can no longer be repeated unless a new implementation plan is required to address emerging risks.
These changes ensure that businesses focus on meaningful improvements and proactively address new and evolving workplace hazards.
4. New small business safety pathway
For small businesses and those new to health and safety, WSIB has introduced a five-year recommended pathway, offering a structured approach to workplace safety.
- The pathway consists of pre-selected safety topics, grouped to build a strong foundation before advancing to more complex topics.
- Small businesses can still choose additional topics beyond the roadmap if necessary.
This update simplifies the process for businesses with limited safety experience, ensuring they take the right steps to create a safer work environment.