Beyond SIEF: Practical Strategies for Employers Following the WSIB’s Closure of the SIEF Program

Session Description

On July 16, 2026, the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) announced the closure of the Second Injury and Enhancement Fund (SIEF) cost relief program (with an effective closure date of June 16, 2026). This represents one of the most significant shifts in Ontario’s workers’ compensation landscape for Schedule 1 employers in decades. For many employers, the change raises important questions about claim costs, financial impacts, claims management strategies, and future risk management.

Join us for this informative one-hour ‘strategy session’ as we break down what the end of SIEF means for Ontario employers and where we go from here. We will review the details of the transition, key implementation timelines, and most importantly, practical strategies employers can implement to adapt to the new environment without access to traditional SIEF relief.

 Learning Objectives

• Understand key changes, timelines, and considerations related to the closure of the SIEF cost relief program.
• Review the potential/expected impact on claim costs and organizational risk (Rate Framework considerations)
• Important claims management strategies to address claims involving prolonged recovery, pre-existing conditions and pre-accident impairments.
• Develop a proactive approach to managing workers’ compensation outcomes in the evolving WSIB environment.
• Awareness of the Health and Safety Excellence program and whether this may be a program right for your organization.