Who needs to register with the WSIB

Independent operators (IOs), sole proprietors, partners in a partnership, and executive officers in a corporation who work in, or have a business in, the construction industry are required to register and have coverage with the WSIB. They are deemed “workers” under the WSIA for this purpose, subject to the exemption outlined below. Private insurance is not an acceptable substitute.

The following are exempt from mandatory coverage:

1. 1. home renovators who do not have any workers and who work exclusively in home renovation and are contracted directly by either the person occupying the residence or by a family member of that individual, and
   2. one executive officer or partner in a business, as long as that individual does not perform any construction work on any building site. Note: This does not apply to executive officers of corporations that have only one executive officer and no employees. Individuals who operate their business on their own, either as sole proprietors who have no workers or as single officer corporations, must register with the WSIB and submit a status declaration confirming their status as an IO.

You need to apply for these exemptions by completing Form 1208WA, “Partner or Executive Officer in Construction – Exemption from Coverage,” which is available on the WSIB’s website, so the WSIB can determine if you meet its exemption criteria. If you don’t submit the appropriate application forms, you may be retroactively assessed on audit, and be charged premiums retroactively. If this should happen to you, please contact the OEA for advice.

Your obligations regarding mandatory coverage and clearances are set out in OPM Doc. Nos. 12-01-06, 14-02-04, 14-02-08, 14-02-19, and 22-01-10. All of these policies are available on the WSIB’s website.

 

How to register

You 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.