WCB Safety Certified
WCB Safety Certified is an official certification that confirms your workplace safety and return-to-work programs meet WCB Nova Scotia standards. Becoming certified shows your workers, customers, and community that safety isn’t just a box you check—it’s a value you live by every day.
Benefits of being Safety Certified
Get more business
WCB Safety Certification is often required for government and private contracts. If you’re bidding on work with the Province of Nova Scotia—especially in construction—you must be certified. More businesses, municipalities, and institutions are adding this requirement.
Showing you care about the safety of your people says a lot about you. It can mean the difference between a customer deciding to work with you or choosing another supplier.
Save on WCB premiums
If you’re in the trucking or construction industries, you may qualify for the Practice Incentive Rebate. This rebate offers a percentage back on your premiums when you meet key safety performance standards, including being Safety Certified.
This program may expand to other industries in future years.
Strengthen safety culture
Certification helps prevent injuries by ensuring your workplace has a strong, effective safety system. It builds trust and shows your team that their health and safety matter.
Attract and keep workers
Job seekers want to work for employers who take safety seriously. Safety Certified employers stand out in recruitment and retention.
How to get WCB Safety Certified
To get certified, choose a WCB-approved auditor and follow the steps on the Safety Certified Audit guide.
What is reviewed in the audit
The WCB Safety Certified audit checks how well your workplace meets recognized standards in safety and injury management. A WCB-approved auditor will assess your safety policies, training, inspections, and how you handle risks. They’ll also look at your return-to-work program to make sure you’ve got a clear plan, the right people involved, and a way to track how it’s working.
Get more details on areas that will be audited.
How long does it take?
Audits vary depending on your organization’s size, locations, readiness, and availability. Most certifications take 2 to 4 weeks or longer from start to finish.
If you plan to bid on work that requires certification, contact a provider as early as possible.
Certification renewal
Most certifications are valid for 1 to 3 years, depending on the provider. To stay certified, contact your audit provider before your certificate expires to begin the renewal process.
Certification and tendering requirements
To become WCB Safety Certified, your audit must be done by a WCB-approved audit provider.
However, if you’re bidding on a job and the organization asks for third-party safety certification, they decide what type of certification they’ll accept.
WCB Safety Certification is widely accepted, but it’s always a good idea to check the tender requirements.
Ready to become certified?
Start the process today by contacting a WCB-approved audit provider.
Have questions? Email us at employer.incentives@wcb.ns.ca