Coverage

Workers Compensation Board of Prince Edward Island

Coverage

On Prince Edward Island, most industries are required by law to have coverage under the provincial compensation system.

As an employer, you are also responsible for confirming the contractors and subcontractors you hire have coverage, also known as clearance, with the WCB.

The Workers Compensation Act Regulations describes the industries and employers that are not covered under the Act. If you are one of these employers, you may choose to be covered.

Employers in excluded industries, such as fishing and farming, can apply for optional coverage.
Employers and independent operators can apply for personal coverage.

Optional Coverage

If you are an employer in an industry not covered by the Act, you can apply for optional coverage. Simply register with the WCB. Your coverage will be effective on the date that the WCB receives your completed Employer Registration Form.

If you would like more information about optional coverage, please contact us.
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Personal Coverage

Personal coverage is optional, and as an employer, independent operator, executive officer or director of a company, you may apply.

If you wish to apply for personal coverage, complete the Personal Coverage Form, along with a completed Employer Registration Form and submit it by mail, drop off or fax to:

WCB Employer Services
Workers Compensation Board of PEI
PO Box 757
14 Weymouth St
Charlottetown PE C1A 7L7
Fax: 902-368-5705

Terms and conditions of personal coverage are listed on the application form. When applying for personal coverage, please note that:

Applications for Personal Coverage that do not meet the minimum requirements will not be accepted.
Assessments for personal coverage are adjusted only if you cancel your coverage before the expiry date.
The WCB does not adjust assessments for personal coverage if your actual earnings are less than you anticipated.
If you file a claim for compensation benefits, you must provide proof of your earnings.
If you have multiple business operations registered with the WCB, and you apply for personal coverage, your earnings must be divided among the accounts, in proportion to the payrolls for each account.

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Clearances for Contractors and Subcontractors

As an employer, it is in your best interest to request a clearance letter from the WCB whenever you hire contractors or subcontractors. The clearance letter confirms that the contractor's account with the WCB is in good standing.

Clearance ensures that the employer is protected and that all employers carry their fair share of the cost of the compensation system. Without clearance, as an employer, you may be liable for your contractors or subcontractors assessment.

Obtaining a clearance letter for your contractors and subcontractors can be done in two ways:

Electronically, any time and anywhere you have access to the Internet, with the WCB's Online Services.
By requesting clearance through WCB Employers Services. Simply contact us.

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More information about coverage and clearance can be found in the Personal Coverage Form, along with a completed Information for Employers booklet and in the WCB employer services policies.

If you have any questions, or would like a copy of a form or publication, please contact us.

May 16, 2012

Maritime Worker Compensation Boards fund Dalhousie University occupational medicine courses

Physicians in Atlantic Canada now have access to online courses in occupational medicine thanks to a strategic alliance between WorkSafeNB, the Workers’ Compensation Boards of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island and Dalhousie University. “With no academic programs in occupational medicine east of Toronto, this alliance, combined with the establishment of a research chair in occupational medicine at Dalhousie University’s medical school in Saint John, will help ensure best practices in disability management and return to work,” said Sharon Tucker, chairperson of WorkSafeNB’s board of directors, who spoke on behalf of the three Maritime provinces’ compensation boards. The Maritime Occupational Medicine Continuing Medical Education (MOM CME) Alliance will provide courses not only to physicians, but also to all stakeholders with a vested interest in occupational medicine, including occupational therapists, physiotherapists, case managers, workers and employers. Because they are web-based, they can be conveniently accessed at any time. “This important initiative will help prevent occupational injuries and illness, break down the barriers of return to work, and keep injured workers employable so they can enjoy the quality of life they deserve,” Tucker said. The courses will be funded by the three Maritime worker compensation boards, while Dalhousie Continuing Medical Education will develop, host and maintain the courses on their website. The courses are accredited, providing CME credits for family physicians in the Maritime provinces. The first course, which deals with issues around prescribing time off, is now available online. Media Contacts:Beverly StearsActing Manager, CommunicationsWorkSafeNB 506-632-2828Julie Trites Communications AdvisorWorkers’ Compensation Board of Nova Scotia 902-491-8110Bonnie BlakneyDirector, Corporate DevelopmentWorkers Compensation Board of PEI 902-620-3478

May 14, 2012

William (Bill) Reid appointed to the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety

William (Bill) Reid, Director of Occupational Health and Safety with the Workers Compensation Board of Prince Edward Island, has been appointed to the Council of Governors of the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS). On May 8, 2012, Federal Labour Minister Lisa Raitt announced that Reid will represent Prince Edward Island on the CCOHS Council of Governors, serving a four- year term. The mandate of the CCOHS is to promote the health and safety of working Canadians. It is governed by a Council whose members represent labour, employers and government from across Canada, providing diverse perspectives and a balanced approach to workplace health and safety issues. Mr. Reid is a Canadian Registered Safety Professional and a Certified Mechanical Engineering Technologist. Prior to assuming his role at the WCB, Reid worked for 21 years in the manufacturing industry, with a concentration in Environment, Health and Safety. He has a Bachelor of Engineering Technology Degree in Manufacturing, and holds certificates in Occupational Health and Safety Management and Ergonomics Program Management. He is an experienced firefighter, emergency responder and hazardous material technician. “Bill has an enormous wealth of knowledge on workplace safety, and we are very proud to have him represent the Workers Compensation Board and our province on safety matters at a national level,” said Nancy Guptill, Workers Compensation Board Chair. To learn more about the CCOHS, visit www.ccohs.ca. Information about occupational health and safety on Prince Edward Island is available in the Safe Workplaces section of the Workers Compensation Board website.

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