WSIB freezes ’07 premium rates for trucking firms

TORONTO — Reversing a policy trend of increasing premiums annually, The Workers’ Safety & Insurance Board (WSIB) has decided to keep next year’s average rate level with 2006, the Ontario Trucking Association says.

Thanks to a yearlong “intense lobbying” campaign by OTA and other business groups, the average premium rate remains the same across all industries.

However, individual rates for each industry fluctuate somewhat based on the safety performance of those rate groups. Forty-two percent of industry rate groups will still see an increase in their premiums for next year — some as high as 12 percent, says OTA.

But for trucking companies, warehousing operations and courier services the WSIB premium rates will remain frozen at their 2006 levels at $5.84, $2.73, and $2.54 per 100 dollars of payroll, respectively.

“I have no doubt that this very positive development reflects a more business-like approach at the WSIB that starts at the top with Steve Mahoney who was appointed as the new Chair of the WSIB earlier this year,” said OTA President David Bradley. “Mr. Mahoney has a long track record of working co-operatively with stakeholders and this is a very good start to his tenure as WSIB Chair.”

Bradley also recognized OTA’s manager of government relations, Doug Switzer, for his role in the negotiations with WSIB. “It can be a frustrating and difficult thing working with the board, but Doug remained diligent on this file … and his efforts have paid off.”