WSIB, Workplace Accident/ Incident/ Near Miss Investigation
In Ontario, the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) andthe Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) outline specific
procedures for reporting and investigating workplace accidents,incidents, and near misses.
WSIB Reporting Requirements
The WSIB provides no-fault collective liability insurance and health care coverage for workers injured on the job. Employers must report a work-related accident to the WSIB if a worker requires health care, is absent from regular work, earns less than regular pay for regular work, or requires modified work at less than regular pay.
OHSA Reporting Requirements
Under the OHSA, employers must notify the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development and their health and safety committee if there is a workplace incident or illness. This includes fatalities, critical injuries, occupational illnesses, and other significant incidents. Regulation 420/21, effective from July 1, 2021, details these obligations.
Near Miss Investigations
While near misses (incidents that could have resulted in injury but did not) may not always require formal reporting to the WSIB, they should still be investigated internally to prevent future accidents. Employers are encouraged to document and analyze near misses to improve workplace safety.