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 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 using WCB Online Services or submit an 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.

To find out if personal coverage is right for you, please contact us.
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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 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.

September 28, 2021

Two PEI Youths Recognized for Excellence in Workplace Safety

The Workers Compensation Board (WCB) is pleased to announce that Elliot Fraser and Martina Ellis are the recipients of this year’s Safe Youth Award. The award, along with the $500 prize is presented annually to Prince Edward Island youth who demonstrate an understanding of occupational health and safety (OHS) principles, and take the initiative to apply them in their workplaces.“By rewarding young people today for working safely, we are striving toward safer workplaces for tomorrow,” said Jim MacPhee, Chair of the Workers Compensation Board. “Seeing safety values being not only embraced but promoted in the next generation of workers is truly noteworthy.” Elliot Fraser secured the Safe Youth Award in the age 15-19 category and is being recognized in his role as a summer student with Environmental Industrial Services Inc. Elliot’s supervisor attributed the key to his success as “his ability to quickly learn and follow the many safety protocols, his ability to apply previously learned knowledge and experience to his workplace, and commitment to asking questions continually in order to acquire new understanding of hazards and hazard control.”Martina Ellis, the recipient in the age 20-24 category, is an Occupational Therapy/Physiotherapy Assistant with Health PEI. Martina demonstrates her OHS understanding and initiative as an active member of the OHS Committee, trains employees on TLR (transfers, lifts, and repositioning), has taken "train-the trainer" courses, and regularly holds education sessions for staff at her workplace. Martina made specific mention of the challenge often faced by employees in long-term care, which is to remember to take care of their own health; she pointed out the importance of refresher training to remind employees of their right to proper training and support in their work.“There are unique safety challenges across industries and our youth safety champions provide excellent examples of the many ways people can contribute to their workplaces,” said Cheryl Paynter, CEO of the Workers Compensation Board. “We’re so pleased to recognize these youth who continue to promote health and safety in workplaces across the Island.”For more information about educating young workers about workplace safety, visit the Workers Compensation Board website at http://www.wcb.pe.ca/Workplace/YoungWorkers or contact the WCB office at 902-368-5680 or 1-800-237-5049.

September 28, 2021

New WCB policy

The WCB Board of Directors has provided final for a new policy, Disclosure of Occupational Health and Safety Information (POL-161). The proposed policy provides guidelines for communication to promote workplace safety and protect sensitive information. Thank you to all stakeholders who provided feedback in the policy development process.

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