Protect Your Business from WSIB Fraud

Workplace safety and insurance board (WSIB) benefits are created to cover the employees who are rightfully injured during their work. Regrettably not every assertion is valid. Fraud in WSIB in Toronto has taken on a worrying trend amongst employers, causing unwarranted financial expenses and business disruptions. Workplace fraud endangers businesses and the system itself, as employees lie, overstate injuries, and/or present a false WSIB claim.

Outsourcing a private investigator in workplace fraud gives employers the materials they require in verifying or refuting suspicious allegations. In this article, we will discuss what WSIB fraud represents, the reasons why it occurs, and how it is possible to reveal the truth with the assistance of the private investigators.

What is WSIB Fraud in Toronto?

WSIB fraud in Toronto is a situation whereby an employee knowingly lies or overstates an injury in order to get a benefit that he or she does not deserve. Such fraud may occur in a variety of ways such as:

• False WSIB claims: Claiming compensation on the basis of not having a real-life work-related injury.
• Exaggerated injuries: Reporting an insignificant injury as something that is so serious that one cannot work.
• Double-dipping:  WSIB benefits and a second job.
• Faked accidents: in the workplace to get compensated.

Such frauds do not just affect the employers but also the honest employees who depend on this system to provide their real support.

Cost of WSIB claims by Employers

Fraudulent WSIB claims can present a big financial and reputational problem to businesses in Toronto. Employers often face:

1. Higher insurance charges as a result of repeated claims.
2. Losses in productivity due to unnecessary leave taking by the employees.
3. Legal issues in case of fraud being unidentified.
4. Harmful organizational culture whereby employees observe others violating the system.

In the case of most employers, internal reporting is not the only way of finding the truth. This is where the necessity of hiring a private investigator in the workplace fraud comes in.

The way Private Investigators are exposing WSIB Fraud in Toronto

The work of private investigators is to collect discrete evidence that is admissible to either corroborate or refute a false WSIB claim. Their methods include:

1. Surveillance

PI teams carry out physical and video surveillance to monitor claimants outside workplace. When an employee who claims to have a back injury is spotted pulling heavy things, then serious red flags are raised.

2. Background Checks

During investigation, employment history, side jobs, and other activities are investigated to determine the undisclosed sources of income during benefit receiving.

3. Social Media Monitoring

Several employees inadvertently commit fraudulent acts by sharing pictures or videos of them being involved in an activity that conflicts with their statements.

4. Witness Interviews

Neighbours, colleagues or other people who know the claimant well can give you great insight into the actual activities that the claimant is engaging in.

These are the professional procedures that enable employers to develop a strong case against WSIB fraud in Toronto and safeguard their organizations against recurrent fraud in the workplace.

Why Employers in Toronto Hire Private Investigators to Workplace Fraud?

Employers who suspect that a WSIB claim is made against them tend to avoid taking any measures because they do not have hard evidence. The use of licensed private investigator ensures:

• Nondramatic, lawful collection of evidence that can prove in court or at WSIB hearings.
• Reputation of the company through professional case management.
• Quicker claims, resource and time saving.
• Lay back and relax knowing that fraud is being dealt with.

When employers turn to professional investigators, they will be able to concentrate on the business operation whereas the experts will do the sensitive side of the fraud investigation in the workplace.

Toronto WSIB Fraud Legal Consequences

Most employees who contemplate falsifying WSIB claims do not realize that the effects of doing so are serious. WSIB fraud is a crime in Ontario and may lead to:

• Restitution of fraud benefits.
• Monetary and legal fines.
• Loss of jobs and career.
• Both criminal charges that result in probation or jail time.

When employers are fast about it and collaborate with private investigation officers, they do not only safeguard their businesses but also maintain the integrity of the workplace safety system.

Cases of WSIB Fraud Investigations Toronto

In order to get an idea of the impact of professional investigations, the following are some typical case scenarios:

• A worker who was away on medical leave owing to a serious back injury was spotted working in a construction site handling hefty material.
• An employee that stated that he could not do his job tasks was caught enjoying competitive sports activities.
• One claimant stated that he was undergoing physical therapy sessions but was operating a small business on the job.

These practical cases illustrate how investigators working privately unravel the fake WSIB claims and assist the employers in corrective action.

WSIB prevention of fraud in workplaces in Toronto

Although the role of exposing fraud is played by the private investigators, the strategies used to prevent the risk also play a significant role in reducing risk. Employers can:

• Present coherent occupational safety training and paperwork.
• Develop open reporting of injuries.
• Create awareness among employees of the repercussions of false WSIB claims.
• Carry out a regular audit of injuries reports at workplace.

An active strategy, coupled with professional investigation services, establishes a great defence line against the fraudulent activity.

FAQs about WSIB Fraud in Toronto

Q1: What are typical symptoms of WSIB fraud?

A: One of the typical signs is the irregularity of injury reports, when the workers have physical activities not related to the work but report an injury, and prolonged absence without medical reasons.

Q2: Are employers allowed to self investigate WSIB fraud?

A: Employers are able to track and report suspicious behavior but by employing a private investigator they are guaranteed that evidence is obtained in a legal and effective way.

Q3: Do the findings of a private investigator hold in WSIB hearings?

A: Yea, licensed private investigators gather admissible evidence in the court and WSIB hearings.

Q4: How much does hiring a professional investigator to investigate workplace fraud cost?

A: The cost depends on complexity of the case, amount of time needed to perform surveillance and other investigation strategies. A large number of companies have customized packages.

Conclusion: 

The concept of WSIB fraud Toronto is an unwarranted burden to businesses, the insurance industry and the hardworking people. False WSIB claims are used by some employees to misuse benefits at the costs of others. Engaging a private investigator to detect fraud in the workplace provides employers with the resources they require to detect fraud, collect evidence, and defend the bottom line.

When you feel that there is WSIB fraud in your workplace, the most effective step that you can take is to act early in order to protect your business. Get in touch with a licensed private investigator and discuss what is worrying you with them to determine how professional investigation services can assist.