Mandatory Workplace Injury Insurance for Care Homes

Summary#

This bill changes Ontario’s Workplace Safety and Insurance Act to make employers in residential care facilities and group homes “Schedule 1” workplaces. That means WSIB coverage becomes mandatory for these employers, whether they are public, private, or non‑profit. The change takes effect six months after the bill becomes law.

• Employers in residential care facilities (including retirement homes, rest homes, and seniors’ residences) and group homes must register with the WSIB and pay premiums.
• Workers in these settings get WSIB benefits if they are hurt at work or get a work-related illness.
• WSIB provides no‑fault coverage, so workers usually receive benefits instead of suing their employer.
• Applies to all operators in these industries, public or private.
• Comes into force six months after Royal Assent.

What it means for you#

• Workers in residential care facilities and group homes

  • You will be covered by WSIB if you are injured at work or develop a work-related illness.
  • WSIB coverage can include wage replacement, health care, rehab, and survivor benefits.
  • You do not need to prove your employer was at fault to get benefits.
  • In most cases, you cannot sue your employer for a workplace injury because WSIB benefits replace lawsuits.

• Employers (residential care facilities and group homes)

  • You must register with the WSIB, report injuries, and pay premiums based on your payroll and risk class.
  • You will follow WSIB rules on injury reporting and return‑to‑work.
  • If you used private insurance or self‑insured before, this may change your costs and coverage.
  • Government‑run facilities are included; public budgets would need to cover the premiums.

• Residents and families

  • Staff may have more support to return to work after injuries, which can help staffing stability.
  • Some operators might pass higher operating costs into resident fees or cut other expenses to offset premiums.

• Unions and worker advocates

  • A clearer, standard safety net across these care settings.
  • Easier to ensure workers are protected and injuries are reported consistently.

Expenses#

Estimated impact: higher WSIB premium costs for newly covered employers; limited direct cost to the province.

• No publicly available information.
• Employers in these sectors will pay WSIB premiums; costs vary by payroll size and injury risk.
• Some facilities may already be in WSIB; for them, changes could be minor.
• Public operators (e.g., municipal or provincial) would pay premiums from their budgets.
• Some employers may save on private insurance or liability costs that WSIB coverage replaces.

Proponents' View#

• Expands basic protections to frontline care workers who face physical and mental risks on the job.
• Creates a level playing field so all similar care employers follow the same safety and insurance rules.
• Encourages safer workplaces because premiums and programs are linked to injury records.
• Reduces legal disputes by using a clear, no‑fault system instead of lawsuits.
• May help recruit and keep staff by offering reliable coverage and return‑to‑work support.

Opponents' View#

• Increases operating costs for small or non‑profit homes that run on tight budgets.
• Costs could be passed on to residents through higher fees or fewer services.
• Adds administrative work to register, report injuries, and manage claims.
• Some operators already provide coverage through other means and may see little added benefit.
• Unclear edges (which facilities count as “residential care”) could cause confusion until guidance is issued.