WorkplaceNL holds average assessment rate steady

WorkplaceNL’s 2026 average assessment rate remains stable at $1.73 per $100 of assessable payroll, which includes a temporary discount of $0.21.

The discount has been in place since 2019.

The average rate is $1.73, employers’ rates will vary based on their industry group’s claims experience as well as their own. Only 32 per cent will have a higher rate.

The assessment rate is set each year to cover the costs of wage-loss and health care benefits for injuries expected in the year.

“We understand the impact a workplace injury has on a worker, their employer and their family. Guided by our 2023-28 workplace injury prevention strategy, we are re-prioritizing efforts to help workplaces with higher injury rates prevent those injuries,” said Elizabeth Lane, CEO, WorkplaceNL. “In the unfortunate event of a workplace incident, we support employers, workers and health care providers to focus on what a worker can do at work during their recovery – getting them back to connections, routines and safe work when appropriate.”

The Maximum Compensable and Assessable Earnings will increase by two per cent for 2026 to $80,935 from $79,345. This is the maximum earnings insured per worker.

Wage-loss benefits for workers submitting a new claim in 2026 whose pre-injury earnings are $80,935 or more will be calculated using this new limit.