2 2 | C O C A 2 0 1 7 Y E A R I N R E V I E W WSIB/OH&S Report on the activities of COCA’s WSIB/OH&S Committee over the past 12 months. WORKPLACE SAFETY and INSURANCE BOARD 2018 Premium Rates COCA continues to advocate for lower premium rates for the construction industry. For 2017, rates were reduced ranging from 2.6% to 14.0% for all construction rate groups; there were no increases. Again, for 2018, rates are reduced, ranging from 5.0 to 7.6% with no increases. These rates have included for costs that are associated with the new 2018 chronic mental stress. The WSIB continues to push to sustainability and become fully funded. At the end of Q3 for 2017, unfunded liability was $1.8 billion on a Sufficiency Ratio basis. The WSIB has made great strides to achieving sustainability since 2011, when the unfunded liability was $14.2 billion. Further, the WSIB continues to be ahead of schedule for the legislated target date of 100% funding. Chronic Mental Stress Early in 2017, the provincial government amended the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act to allow for chronic mental stress effective January 1, 2018. During the summer, the WSIB released its policy on chronic mental stress for comment. COCA, in its submittal voiced strong disagreement with the policy, stating it was vague and unclear. Although the WSIB did not agree with all COCA’s submissions, they did agree with COCA’s main issues:  For the causation test, COCA recommended the predominant test vs significant test be used – WSIB agreed.  For Diagnosis, COCA recommended that training be required for use of the Diagnostic Statistical Manual and that diagnosis should be made by a psychiatrist or psychologist – WSIB agreed and is working with the medical community to develop enhanced tools, including forms and training protocols and that diagnosis has been revised to note that a diagnosis by a psychologist or a psychiatrist may be required to determine initial or ongoing entitlement in complex cases. Rate Framework Modernization COCA has been an active participant in the consultations and in the development of the new framework and policies to implement them. COCA, along with several other employer associations, had several concerns with the implementation policies, submitting them to the WSIB. The WSIB has responded openly and favourably to the feedback. They continue to work on the implementation policies. The WSIB has extended the consultation period into 2018. COCA will continue to review and provide feedback to the WSIB. Communication will be critical to the smooth implementation of the New Rate Framework. The WSIB has worked with stakeholders including COCA on the communication roll-out well in advance. The first step is to get employers to confirm that they are indeed in the new class where the WSIB think they are, or not. The WSIB sent letters to all employers in the fall of 2017. Once class has been established, the WSIB can begin communication around employer specific target rates under the new framework. COCA and its members look forward to the employer specific target rates. Paul Gunning, Chair