Bill 119: WSIB Clearance Certificates

The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (“WSIB”) has developed draft policies to support the implementation of Bill 119, the Workplace Safety and Insurance Amendment Act, 2008.

Under the draft policies, the WSIB anticipates the launching of a web-based eClearance system for obtaining clearance certificates.

Clearance certificates are issued to employers (or contractors and subcontractors in the construction industry) that are registered with the WSIB, provided that their account is in good standing. The certificate relieves the principal (who retains a contractor) of liability for the contractor’s payment obligations, including premiums and penalties, to the WSIB. The current validity period for clearance certificates is 60 days, but if the draft policies are finalized, the validity period could be extended to 90 days.

The eClearance system will enable employers to quickly and easily obtain clearance certificates and will also act as a primer to prepare businesses for the more significant changes slated to take place in 2012.