Ontario’s WSIB has eliminated the SIEF:
Information Sourced From: WSIB.CA
Effective July 16, 2026, the Secondary Injury and Enhancement Fund (SIEF) has been eliminated by Ontario’s Workers Compensation And Insurance Board (WSIB). Historically, SIEF provided employers with cost relief when a worker’s pre-existing condition contributed to a workplace injury or prolonged recovery.
Why This Matters
With the removal of SIEF, employers/companies will no longer have access to cost relief. As a result, claim costs associated with pre-existing conditions may have a greater financial impact, increasing the importance of proactive claims management and workplace injury prevention.
It is likely that larger organizations with dedicated health and safety or disability management resources are already aware of this change. However, smaller companies and franchise operators may be less familiar with the implications and may benefit from additional guidance and education.
Why SIEF been eliminated
The WSIB website states:
“The found that the program no longer supports it’s intended purpose of removing employment barriers for people with pre-existing disabilities or supporting the return-to-work and recovery outcomes injured people need.
The audit also found the program no longer provides meaningful or equitable cost relief to businesses as it has not kept pace with changes to how claims and premiums are managed as it has not been meaningfully updated since its introduction in 1945.”
Key Considerations for Companies
To effectively manage claims under the new framework, companies should:
- Ensure accident and injury reporting is complete, accurate, and submitted promptly.
- Leverage all applicable WSIB policies.
- Maintain ongoing oversight of active claims to identify opportunities for cost management and early intervention.
- Continue to strengthen health and safety practices aimed at preventing workplace injuries and supporting timely return-to-work outcomes.
How ABL Can Help
While ABL is not a claims management or health and safety provider, we can serve as a trusted resource for our clients by:
- Raising awareness of this policy change and its potential impact.
- Reinforcing the value of effective health and safety programs, early reporting, and certain injury prevention strategies.
- Directing clients to appropriate WSIB resources and supports when questions arise.
- Identifying opportunities to engage in proactive conversations around claims trends, workplace safety, and return-to-work best practices.
Recommended Next Steps
Small and mid-sized businesses (who are particularly impacted), will benefit by partnering with staffing companies that demonstrate strong health and safety practices and that practise proactive claim management to help mitigate potential cost impacts. Contact ABL through the form below if you are a business looking for staffing or recruiting support from a staffing company who will be a true partner in workplace safety.
