WorkplaceNL’s 2026 average assessment rate remains stable at $1.73 per $100 of assessable payroll, which includes a temporary discount of $0.21.
While the average rate is $1.73, employers’ rates will vary based on their industry group’s claims experience as well as their own. Sixty-eight per cent of employers will have an assessment rate that either remains stable or is lower in 2026, while 32 per cent will have a higher rate.
Notices of assessment rates for employers will be online this week. Employers are encouraged to register for a connect (online services) account via MyWorkplaceNL if they have not already done so.
The assessment rate is set each year to cover the costs of wage-loss and health care benefits for injuries expected in the year.
Since 2019 there has been a $0.21 temporary discount applied to the average rate to address a surplus in the Injury Fund.
Fluctuations in global financial markets may impact Injury Fund investments and, therefore, the funded position. Possible future benefit changes may also have an impact.
Employers can earn PRIME refunds to lower their assessments while creating safer workplaces. Starting January 1, 2026, Path 2 employers – those with 20 or more workers at any worksite and who pay $10,000 or more in average assessments – are required to have a 15-element occupational health and safety program to quality for refunds. Learn more at www.workplacenl.ca/prime.
“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.”
She continued, “Our goal is to maintain a sustainable, employer-funded, no-fault workers’ compensation system for years to come that supports workers and provides coverage for employers.”
As well, the Maximum Compensable and Assessable Earnings (MCAE) will increase by two per cent for 2026 to $80,935 from $79,345.
The MCAE 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. WorkplaceNL adjusts the MCAE each year based on the average Consumer Price Index.
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Learn more
2026 Classification of Industries and Assessment Rates
Understanding my WorkplaceNL Assessment
WorkplaceNL’s PRIME Program
MyWorkplaceNL online services
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About WorkplaceNL
Serving approximately 230,000 workers and 17,000 employers, WorkplaceNL administers an employer-funded, no-fault workers’ compensation system that promotes safe and healthy workplaces, provides return-to-work programs and offers compensation to injured workers and their dependents.
Media contact:
Carla Riggs, Director of Communications and Engagement
709.778.1590 or [email protected]