OTA attended the WSIB’s Annual General Meeting where the 2018 Premium Rates were announced. While warehousing will see a 7.5 percent decrease in premium rates – from $2.95 (in 2017) to $2.73 (in 2018) – general trucking (RG570) and courier services (RG577) will see increases.
General trucking rates will rise 3.7 percent (from $6.72 in 2017 to $6.97 in 2018) and couriers will see an increase of 4 percent (from $3.02 in 2017 to $3.14 in 2018). Waste materials recycling will see the largest increase in the transportation sector with an 8.1 percent increase.
The Province of Ontario has legislated the expansion of WSIB coverage to include work-related chronic mental stress starting in 2018. Jon Blackham, OTA director of Policy and Public Affairs, says a large portion of the increases are due to the anticipated costs of this new policy.
“While the true impact of this move is not yet known, OTA will continue to work with the WSIB to ensure the Ontario trucking industry’s rates are fairly allocated as things move forward,” added Blackham.
