Anyone who works in Ontario, whether they've got an industrial job around potentially dangerous equipment or they spend their days at a computer typing up reports for a North York real estate agent, should have a basic knowledge of the WSIB, what it stands for, and what it can do for Ontario workers. In case you weren't already aware, WSIB stands for Workplace Safety and Insurance Board. This article will give you a basic overview of its function and the impact it could potentially have on your life.
The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board used to be known as the Worker's Compensation Board. It was originally formed in 1914 to help workers who had been injured on the job receive monetary support until they were able to work again. Back then, people were injured all the time using hand notchers and working on factory equipment without protection. In 1998, the board's focus expanded to include the prevention of workplace accidents and the board's name was changed to its current form.
The mission of the Workplace Safety and Insurance board is to make a positive difference to people like you, people who manufacture dental implants in Toronto or run day cares in Kingston. Eventually their goal is to completely eliminate workplace accidents and illnesses, but obviously that's impossible unless all the workers are robots. Realistically, they focus on reducing accidents to the absolute minimum level possible. They do this by helping employers and workers alike understand the proper safety practices to use as they go about doing their jobs.
Your employer is required to give you training that will allow you to work in the safest possible way, but if you think they haven't you can always contact the WSIB to find out the proper procedure and to make a report on the contractor supervising the construction of the Scarborough condo project you're working on if he or she isn't doing things right. There is an extensive database of workplace safety procedures on their website at www.wsib.on.ca. They also run advertising campaigns for television, radio, and print to encourage safe practices.
The WSIB recognizes that accidents and illnesses do happen, and that an injured worker who can't work will have trouble making the payments on his or her Oakville real estate. As such the WSIB is also in charge of doling out assistance payments to injured workers. Contact them if you wish to make a claim.
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