'We're transforming the WSIB by letting go of the cumbersome but comfortable old ways of doing things,' says CEO
In recognition of Small Business Month and BDC Small Business Week (October 19–25), Ontario’s Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) has announced a series of initiatives aimed at easing administrative processes, reducing costs, and improving access to workplace health and safety resources for small businesses.
The WSIB says the new measures are part of ongoing efforts to streamline services and provide more accessible support for small business owners facing continued economic uncertainty.
Among the changes is a significant overhaul of the WSIB’s business registration process. According to the agency, the time required to set up a new account has been reduced from 10 days to approximately 10 minutes through a simplified online platform.
“Cutting the time it takes to register a new business from 10 days to 10 minutes shows just how serious we are about making it surprisingly simple to work with us,” said Jeff Lang, WSIB President and CEO. “We’re transforming the WSIB by letting go of the cumbersome but comfortable old ways of doing things and embracing simpler and better new ways that are best for our customers.”
Last month the WSIB also announced a reduction in the average premium rate for 2026. The rate will decrease to $1.23 per $100 of insurable payroll, down from $1.25 in 2025. This marks the seventh premium rate reduction in the past decade, and more than a 50 per cent decrease since 2017. Individual rate statements for 2026 will be made available to employers through the WSIB website starting in November.
In addition, all WSIB-registered businesses now receive complimentary access to the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety’s (CCOHS) Business Safety Portal. The portal provides a range of industry-specific tools and resources, including safety templates, online training, and manuals. According to the WSIB, the free access represents an annual savings of up to $1,700 for employers.
Updates have also been made to the WSIB’s Health and Safety Excellence program. The revised program includes a recommended pathway for small businesses, with pre-selected topics designed to support the development of foundational safety practices. Participants in the program may also be eligible for rebates on their WSIB premiums.
“Health and safety isn’t a ‘nice to have’ for small businesses. It’s a necessity,” said Rod Cook, WSIB Vice President of Workplace Health and Safety Services. “Every business that invests in health and safety means fewer injuries in the long run, so it’s important for us to help small business owners however we can.”
The announcement aligns with broader efforts by the WSIB to modernize its operations and enhance service delivery for employers across the province.
