Claim suppression in Ontario is a significant issue, with reports indicating that many workplace injuries go unreported or are discouraged from being formally claimed. This practice not only deprives workers of rightful compensation but also obscures the true scale of workplace hazards.
What Is Claim Suppression?
Claim suppression involves actions by employers to prevent or discourage workers from reporting work-related injuries or illnesses to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB). Tactics can range from overt threats and intimidation to subtler methods like offering wage continuation instead of filing a claim, misclassifying injuries as minor, or encouraging the use of private healthcare to avoid WSIB involvement.
Legal Framework and Enforcement
In 2015, Ontario addressed claim suppression through Bill 109, amending the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act to explicitly prohibit such practices. Employers found guilty can face penalties up to $500,000. Despite this, enforcement remains limited.
Prevalence and Impact
Studies reveal that claim suppression is not isolated. For instance, a 2025 study by Dr. Stephanie Premji found that many workers reported being discouraged from filing claims, with tactics ranging from threats to promises of future employment. Additionally, data shows that between 2019 and 2023, over 1.3 million “Form 8” reports were filed by healthcare providers for work-related injuries, but approximately 15% were not matched with formal claims, suggesting potential underreporting. In 2023 alone, over 40,000 cases were categorized as incidents without further processing.
The WSIB attributes this gap to various factors, including workplaces not covered by the board, instances of minor injuries, or cases where workers opted not to file claims. However, injured workers and advocates point to systemic barriers and instances of direct or indirect discouragement from filing claims
Vulnerable Populations
Precariously employed immigrant workers are particularly susceptible to claim suppression due to factors like language barriers, fear of job loss, and lack of awareness about their rights. These workers often face higher risks of injury and are less likely to report incidents, perpetuating unsafe working conditions.
In response to these concerns, researchers, worker advocacy groups, and injured employees themselves are urging for measures to eliminate claim suppression and improve the accessibility of WSIB's services. Ensuring that all workplace injuries are adequately reported and compensated would not only support workers in their recovery but also reinforce trust in Ontario’s workplace safety and insurance framework.
What Can Workers Do?
If you suspect claim suppression:
Document Everything: Keep records of communications and incidents.
Report the Issue: Contact the WSIB or seek legal advice.
Know Your Rights: Familiarize yourself with the protections under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act.
