WSIB backs off threat to audit federally regulated carriers
TORONTO, Ont. — The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) put a scare into a good number of Ontario fleets recently, when it issued a memo saying it would begin auditing federally regulated carriers as part of its Workwell program.
“Departing from past practice, the Workwell program has included federally regulated, Schedule 1 companies in the 2011 annual selection process,” the agency said in a memo dated March 15. “It is our belief that recent court decisions allow us to do so.”
However, the Ontario Trucking Association was quick to defend those federally regulated carriers and appears to have convinced WSIB to reverse its decision. The OTA issued a release yesterday indicating WSIB will revert to its previous policy on the matter and will cancel any audits scheduled for federally regulated carriers.
“Full credit to the WSIB for their cooperation in reviewing this decision and for taking quick action to resolve the matter in a common sense way allowing both the WSIB and the industry to avoid getting embroiled in a protracted legal battle,” said OTA chief David Bradley.
Prior to the WSIB’s change of heart, Bradley told Trucknews.com the OTA was prepared to take the fight to court if the agency carried out its planned audits on federally regulated carriers.
“The Workwell memo suggests the only way to resolve this matter is through the courts,” Bradley told Trucknews.com.” If it’s a legal battle they want, I am sure we’ll give them one. But what a waste of everyone’s time and money. I am hopeful that the WSIB administration will pay heed to our concerns before it gets to that.”
Fortunately, it appears a court battle will not be necessary. Doug Switzer, vice-president of public affairs with the OTA, thanked the association’s members for bringing the matter to the OTA’s attention early.
“By letting us know what was going on right away, we were able to take immediate action,” Switzer said. “We’re glad the WSIB leadership was receptive to revisiting the issue and we think they have definitely taken the correct decision. It’s one less battle we have to fight.”
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I too am being harassed by a federally regulated trucking company. I was injured on the job and put on modified work with the company paying my full wages while being off. It was registered with the WSIB but since the company was paying full wages the WSIB was stepping back. As the weeks progressed the lite duties became a little harder to do and going past what is said I can’t do on the FAF functional abilities form was past off by the Company WSIB Specialist as “work hardening”. They put me into a progressive return to work contract I had to sign and watered down some of the things that the FAF form from the Doctor says I can’t do like, riding in a tractor trailer, because of the rough ride and vibration. Now I’ve reinjured the problem because I was force to go or go home. You
This is so Bad not to Regulate these Employers!! The “Trucking Business” is the worst for Sexual Harassments as those that get paid the least have no say in what they have to deal with… Federally Regulate those that Harass and Discriminate should be the purpose of the government!! I dont know how much money it took to give this industry the power to Workplace Harass to the point of Workplace Sexual Violence, and for myself, Discrimination of my Disabilities that has now left me Permanently Disabled, and that is for life. Thanks for Regulating and having Laws, now I get to beg, borrow, and cry in pain daily over the lose of my life and future. Now I just get to lay here, take it, and remember. I wonder how many more people cry with me, dont you? I know, the government doesnt care enough to loose all that money that bought them, or the expense of my medical bills for the rest of my life… Federally Regulated Companies need to be watched too, they shouldnt get exempt because of all the money they appearanly make. No reason or excuse was given as for the why not in this article. Know who’s winning. I do, and it doesnt make sense… but glad that it keeps those that benfit, warm at night, I just add another layer of clothes for that, I know, just be thankful I have another sweater to put on, in pain, but at least i am alive and get to live through this too. Go Canadian Government Go! Show the world what we are make of, fake, money hungry Violence.