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.
(back to top)

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.
(back to top)

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.

(back to top)

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.

April 16, 2019

April 28th is the Day of Mourning

Sunday, April 28th is the Day of Mourning, honouring the memory of workers who have been injured or killed on the job. On the Day of Mourning, the Workers Compensation Board encourages all Islanders to show their support for those affected by workplace tragedy by: Attending the ceremony hosted by the Prince Edward Island Federation of Labour:Day of Mourning Ceremony 2:00pm on Sunday, April 28th, 2019St. Paul's Hall, 101 Prince Street, CharlottetownDisplaying a Day of Mourning poster.Wearing a Day of Mourning lapel sticker. Lowering workplace flags at half-mast. Observing a moment of silence. Posters and lapel stickers are available at the WCB. Please join us in recognizing the Day of Mourning, and in strengthening the resolve to protect everyone in the workplace through improved health and safety, each and every day.

March 08, 2019

Inspect PTO Guards during Agricultural Safety Week

March 10-16, 2019 is Canadian Agricultural Safety Week and a great opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of safety matters on farm workplaces. The Workers Compensation Board (WCB) would like to remind farmers that this week is an ideal time to inspect Power Take Off (PTO) drive equipment to ensure that guards are in place and working properly. The impact of a farm accident can be devastating, and one of the leading causes of farm fatalities and injuries is equipment entanglement. According to the Canadian Agricultural Safety Association, from 2003 to 2012, 61 deaths on Canadian farms were caused by entanglement. Exposed bolts, universal joints, burrs or other projections on rotating components can grab clothing, resulting in instant entanglement. “WCB is committed to helping PEI farmers and their workers stay safe at work especially around farming equipment,” said Luanne Gallant, Chief Executive Officer, Workers Compensation Board. “Implementing regular equipment safety checks into your safety program is essential to reducing the risk of injury.” It is extremely important to take time to ensure that PTO guards are in place and working before the farming season is at its peak. “Building a culture of safe and healthy workplaces starts with conversation. Frequent safety meetings and asking workers for feedback will help keep safety at the forefront on every farm,” said Stuart Affleck, Workers Compensation Board Chair. The Workers Compensation Board has a number of safety resources for farm employers and workers available at www.wcb.pe.ca, including a PTO hazard alert. The hazard alert lists a number of precautions that should be taken to prevent accidents related to entanglement, including: Ensuring that the PTO is properly maintained and that PTO drivelines are fully shielded. Regularly checking all components of the PTO guarding system for nicks or damage. Ensuring that all sections of the PTO driveline, including universal joints are fully shielded. PTO guards should include a tractor shield, a shaft shield and an implement shield. Replacing or repairing damaged shields, bearings and safety devices before the equipment is used. Ensuring that PTO driven equipment is maintained and guarded according to manufacturer’s recommendations. Never operating equipment with damaged or missing PTO guards. Staying well clear of rotating PTO drivelines. For additional information about farm safety, contact WCB Farm Safety Specialist, Mitchell Jay, at 902-368-6562 or 1-800-237-5049. Aussi disponible en français.

View All