The Corporation is also not liable for WSIB costs for participation on a voluntary basis (such as University of Windsor – Volunteer Internship Program). The Government of Ontario, through MAESD, pays the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) for the cost of benefits provided to Student Trainees enrolled in an approved program at University of Windsor and participating in unpaid work placements with employers who are either compulsorily covered or have voluntarily applied to have WSIB coverage.

In all cases an investigation is completed by the Human Resources Department to understand exactly what responsibility the Corporation has surrounding WSIB coverage before any commitment to the placement is made. As always, necessary agreements are executed with agencies and participants to address all WSIB and Liability issues prior to the commencement of placements. Any such agreements are reviewed and approved by Legal, Risk Management and Financial Services prior to circulation with outside agencies.

The low risk remains that participants could delete significant information or damage costly corporate equipment (vehicles). As noted below, a mitigating strategy to minimize this risk is through Corporate Training provided to participants.

Community Impact Risks:

The benefits to participants who are students and/or vulnerable members of the local community are immeasurable as outlined in various sections of this report. Should the Corporation choose not to participate in this worthwhile initiative, local placements would be limited and hundreds of annual work placement opportunities would be lost.

Timing Risks:

No Risks assessed in relation to Timing.

Other Risks:

No other Risks Assessed.

Mitigating measures:

The majority of Student and Work Placement Agency participants will be accompanied by a trained professional and/or corporate employee in the initial stages, if not the duration of their work placement period.

Further, any student or other work placement agency participant accepted for placements (paid or unpaid) by the Corporation is required to complete a mandatory Corporate Employee Safety Orientation tailored to the duties they will be performing prior to commencing placements in their respective work locations.

Should it be determined that a fully licensed participant will need to operate a vehicle at any time during the course of their placement with the Corporation, a mandatory Commercial Defensive Driving workshop is added to their Corporate Health & Safety Training Program at the onset.