Who needs to register with the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB)

If you hire workers, including family members or apprentices, you must register with the WSIB within 10 days of hiring your first worker.

Registration for independent operators (IOs) / contractors who do not supply construction services

If you have no employees, and meet the WSIB’s criteria for IO status, you are not required to register with the WSIB. You should confirm that in writing with the WSIB.

How to register

A business that hires one or more workers and is required to have WSIB coverage can register through the WSIB’s eRegistration service on the WSIB’s website. You can call the WSIB at 1-800-387-0750 if you need help registering, or if you have any questions about the process.

Precautions when acquiring an existing business

If you acquire an existing business, you should get a purchase certificate from the WSIB. A purchase certificate is a document the WSIB will issue if the original employer’s account is in good standing, on the date the business is sold.

If a purchase certificate is issued, the WSIB will not hold the purchaser liable for any amounts charged to the original owner’s account, up to the date the business changed hands.

For audit purposes, purchasers must keep a copy of any purchase certificate.