In New Brunswick, you must open a WorkSafeNB employer account within 15 days of hiring your third employee. The registration process is completed entirely online via the MyServices portal, requires your Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) Business Number, and generally takes 3 to 5 business days to process.
Expanding your business and hiring a dedicated team is a major milestone for any entrepreneur in New Brunswick. However, whether you are launching a new tech firm in Fredericton, a busy retail store in Dieppe, or a commercial cleaning service in Bathurst, growing your team introduces significant legal obligations. The provincial government mandates that certain businesses protect their workforce through the collective workers’ compensation system.
Opening an employer account with WorkSafeNB is not merely a suggestion; it is a strict legal requirement once you meet the hiring threshold. 📋 By registering, you secure crucial no-fault insurance that protects your employees if they are injured, while simultaneously shielding your business from financially devastating personal injury lawsuits. If you are dealing with complex corporate structures involving holding companies and subsidiaries, a local corporate lawyer can assist in determining exactly how your payroll should be reported.
Step-by-Step Process in New Brunswick
The provincial government has streamlined the registration process to be entirely digital. Before you begin, ensure you have reliable internet access and all your corporate financial data easily accessible.
Step 1: Determine Your Mandatory Registration Status
In New Brunswick, coverage is generally mandatory the moment you employ three or more workers at any given time. This includes part-time, full-time, and temporary staff. 👥 If you have fewer than three employees, you are not strictly forced to register, but you may apply for voluntary coverage to secure legal protection.
Step 2: Gather Required Documentation
Before logging onto the portal, collect your 9-digit Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) Business Number. You will also need your exact legal corporate name, your physical operating address, and an accurate estimate of your gross assessable payroll for the current calendar year. Having these documents ready prevents the application from timing out.
Step 3: Access the MyServices Portal
Visit the official WorkSafeNB website and navigate to the MyServices online portal. You will need to create a secure digital login. 🔒 This portal will become your primary tool for all future interactions with the board, including paying premiums, reporting injuries, and generating clearance certificates for your clients.
Step 4: Complete the Employer Registration Application
Fill out the detailed online forms. You will be asked specific questions about the nature of your business activities. Be as precise as possible. WorkSafeNB uses this description to assign your business to an industry classification group. If you vaguely describe a low-risk office job, you could accidentally be placed in a higher-risk, more expensive category.
Step 5: Receive Your Assessment and Clearance
Once your application is submitted and reviewed, you will be issued a unique Employer Account Number and an Assessment Notice detailing your annual premium rate. 💰 At this point, your account is fully active, and you can instantly generate Clearance Certificates to prove your good standing to general contractors or government clients.
How Much Does it Cost in New Brunswick?
The administrative process of opening the account is entirely free, but you will be required to pay insurance premiums based on your estimated payroll.
| Requirement / Action | Estimated Cost (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Account Creation Fee | $0 (Free) |
| Average Provincial Premium Rate (2026) | ~$1.10 per $100 of payroll |
| Fines for Late Registration | 5% or 10% of owed premiums (max $500) |
| Corporate Lawyer Consultation (Optional) | $250 – $500 |
Remember that company owners, sole proprietors, and partners are not automatically covered. If you want coverage for yourself, you must purchase optional Personal Coverage, which is calculated based on an agreed-upon salary level. 💵
How Long Does the Process Take?
By law, you must submit your registration application within 15 days of becoming an employer who meets the mandatory three-worker threshold. Filling out the online forms takes roughly 15 to 30 minutes. Once submitted, WorkSafeNB typically processes standard applications within 3 to 5 business days, provided there are no complicated classification issues.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do independent contractors count towards my employee total?
It depends. If the contractor operates an independent business with their own WorkSafeNB coverage, they do not count. However, if they work exclusively for you and lack their own coverage, WorkSafeNB will likely classify them as your workers.
Can I register if I only hire one person?
Yes. Many small businesses with one or two employees choose to apply for voluntary coverage. This is highly recommended to protect your business assets from personal injury lawsuits if that one worker is injured.
What happens if I don’t register on time?
Failing to register within the required 15-day window will result in administrative penalties and retroactive premium charges. If an unregistered worker is injured, you could be held personally liable for their entire medical and compensation costs.
How do I pay my premiums once the account is open?
You can pay your assessed premiums securely through the MyServices portal using online banking or a credit card. Depending on your total assessment, you may be eligible to set up a monthly instalment plan.
Do I have to re-register my business every year?
No, you do not need to create a new account annually. However, you are legally required to submit an updated Payroll Estimate (Form 100) by February 28th every single year to keep your existing account active and accurate.
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