Do you need to register with us?
Most Ontario businesses that have employees (including family members and sub-contractors) must register with us. We provide workplace insurance to 16 diverse industries and cover 324,000 businesses.
You have 10 calendar days to register from the day you hire your first employee. If you are not registered with us, and should be, you can voluntarily register your business for the first time. Not registering may result in penalties, investigation and provincial offences charge or having to repay retroactive premiums.
If you are unsure about whether you need to register your business, take the questionnaire below to help you determine if registration is required.
Does your business
only do home repairs or renovations on private residences where you are hired and paid directly by the home’s resident?
You will need to register your business with the WSIB within 10 days of hiring your first employee.
You are considered an independent operator in the construction industry and will need to register your business with us.
Do you work for more than one company or individual?
You do not have to register with us, but you can still choose to apply for
optional insurance for yourself.
You may need to register with us. Please
contact us to find out more.
You will need to register your business with the WSIB within 10 days of hiring your first employee.
You do not have to register with us, but you can still choose to apply for
optional insurance.
Do you have employees (other than yourself, a partner or executive officer in your company)?
You will need to register your business with the WSIB within 10 days of hiring your first employee.
You do not have to register with us, but you can still choose to apply for
optional insurance.
You will need to register your business with the WSIB within 10 days of hiring your first employee.
If you do not have employees but work as a contractor or subcontractor, please complete the relevant questionnaire to get an independent operator status decision:
If we confirm that you are independent operator, you can choose to apply for
optional insurance.
Does your employee work for you for more than 24 hours a week?
Do you share this domestic employee with another household and together employ them for more than 24 hours per week?
You will need to register with the WSIB within 10 days of hiring your domestic employee.
You do not have to register with us, however, your domestic employee may choose to apply for
optional insurance.
- bank, trust and insurance company
- trade unions
- private day care
- travel agency
- photography business
- barber shop and many hair salons (with exceptions)
- funeral or embalming establishment
You do not have to register with us if you run any of the following businesses, but you can still choose to insure your employees through the WSIB.
- bank, trust and insurance company
- trade unions
- private day care
- travel agency
- photography business
- barber shop and many hair salons (with exceptions)
- funeral or embalming establishment
If your business or type of work is not listed - check the employer classification manual to see further details on registration requirements.
Your registration obligation may differ if you own or operate a business in construction. To learn more about your obligations, see expanded compulsory coverage in the construction industry.
If you’re not required to register with us, or are a business owner (whether you’re a sole proprietor, partner, or executive officer) of your business, you can still choose to have WSIB insurance
How to register
Once you’ve hired at least one employee, and are ready to register your business, gather your business information and register online.
Once your registration is complete, we will email you the details and send you a welcome package with your account information.
I run any of these businesses: