What is WCB?

WCB is a provincial body that provides an insurance system that ensures that if a worker is

injured, they will be protected monetarily and compensated for lost wages, as well as medical

and rehabilitation needs.

In return, the employer is afforded protection from lawsuits, the program is no fault, so blame is

not assigned in the event of an injury and compensation for lost wages is provided regardless of

how the injury occurred.

Workers Compensation Boards/Commissions (WCB/C) are funded by employers; who are

charged a certain dollar amount per dollar of payroll.

This amount is known as the assessment rate.

The money collected from employers goes into a fund.

In general, monies from this fund go toward:

Providing wage loss benefits to workers injured on the job who are unable to work due

to an injury Providing medical aid and rehabilitation to workers injured on the job; and the

General administration of the Workers’ Compensation Board/Commission, and incident prevention activities.

• In some jurisdictions there is an average provisional assessment rate and an employer pays an

  individual rate based on:

• (a) industry or Class assessment rate, dependent on the inherent occupational risk for

  every job/industry

• (b) individual employer’s assessment rate may be increased or decreased based on how

many work related injuries/diseases have occurred at the employer’s place of business.

Typically, potential clients will ask you for these assessment rates so they can see how your rate sits in

comparison with your competition in your industry. Is your rate higher or lower than the industry rate?

Do you have surcharge or a discount?

These are tell tale signs for a client to know if you have had any recent claims. Not only is keeping your

claims down good for your insurance premiums, it can help you get bids with potential clients!