Health & Safety

Health Card Services – OHIP

Health Card Registration Process for Seasonal Agricultural Workers

ServiceOntario delivers health card registration services, the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care is responsible for the OHIP program and setting applicable OHIP legislation, policy and program requirements ,  as well as medical claims processing.

FORMS

The required Seasonal Agricultural Workers Registration for Ontario Health Coverage form is available on our website. New registrants, renewals, and their employers can access the ‘fill and print’ form at: http://www.forms.ssb.gov.on.ca . Once in the Central Forms Repository simply enter “Migrant Farm Worker” in the Quick Search for Forms and click on the link provided.

ATTENDING A SERVICEONTARIO CENTRE – APPOINTMENTS

For new or returning workers who require a photo, there are two ways that a farm employer can book appointments:

Walk-In  (ServiceOntario Centres)

You may also bring the workers to a ServiceOntario centre that is designated to provide MFW services to register for health insurance coverage.
PLEASE NOTE: Since this is not by appointment, there may be a wait time.

For information on the location of a ServiceOntario centre that is designated to provide MFW services please call 1-800-664-8988 or visit the ServiceOntario website at www.services. gov.on.ca/sf/  In the search bar type “Register your Return to Ontario” and click the link provided. You will now be prompted to enter your postal code to search for locations offering this service. Click on the “Details and Directions” link at your preferred location to view additional information.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF THE WORKER HAS NEVER HAD A PHOTO HEALTH CARD?

If the worker has never had an Ontario photo health card, take the worker to the nearest ServiceOntario centre that is designated to provide MFW services to register them.  Please bring:

1. The completed Seasonal Agricultural Workers Registration for Ontario Health Coverage form (given to each worker at the airport or legal name as it appears on their Work Permit
2. Passport
3. Work Permit – Note: SAWP may be noted in the Employer section and the expiry date will usually be December 15 of the current year
4. Previous health number (if known, to be completed on the registration form)
5. Address of farm (to be completed on the registration form)

PLEASE NOTE:  If the worker does not have all of their original documents, they cannot be registered for a new photo health card.  If a worker does not have their original Work Permit, they must contact their Liaison Officer.

HOW WILL I KNOW WHICH WORKERS NEED AN UPDATED PHOTO AND SIGNATURE?

The health card photo and signature are valid for a period of 5 years, so workers who had their last photo and signature taken in 2016 or earlier need to have their photo and signature updated at a ServiceOntario centre that is designated to provide MFW health card services.

F.A.R.M.S. has provided the Liaison Services and the Mexican Consulate with a list of workers who require an updated photo and signature in  2021.

WHAT IF A WORKER SHOULD HAVE HAD AN UPDATED PHOTO AND SIGNATURE IN 2021 BUT DID NOT?

If a worker did not have his or her photo and signature updated last year, then he or she will be required to visit a ServiceOntario centre to register for health insurance coverage in  2022.

WHEN CAN A WORKER EXPECT TO RECEIVE HIS OR HER HEALTH CARD?

A health card should be received in approximately 4-6 weeks after ServiceOntario has received a worker’s registration documents, or after he or she registers. If the worker has not received his or her card in this timeframe, you can visit the ServiceOntario centre where the registration was completed or contact ServiceOntario at 1-800-664-8988 to check the status of the health card.

WHAT SHOULD I DO WITH THE CARD WHEN THE WORKER LEAVES?

A worker’s health insurance coverage ends on the earliest of the:

• End date of the Work Permit
• Date of departure from Ontario

It is important that all health cards be returned by the employer or Liaison Officer to the ServiceOntario centre located in Hamilton as soon as possible – see address below. If the health card is not received by the employer until after the worker has left, please return it with a note stating that the worker has returned home and the date he or she left Canada.

Attention: Manager, ServiceOntario, 119 King Street West, 4th floor, Hamilton ON L8P 4Y7

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF THE WORKER NEEDS MEDICAL ATTENTION BUT HAS NOT RECEIVED THE PHOTO HEALTH CARD?

If the worker has been registered at a ServiceOntario centre and requires medical services:

• At the time of registration, the worker will be given a ‘Transaction Receipt’ as a confirmation document. This record identifies their health number and can be used to access health care until the health card is received.
• If  the worker does not have the Transaction Receipt, they may ask to sign a ‘Health Number Release’ form (available at doctor’s offices, clinics and hospitals).
• If medical services are required and the health care provider cannot confirm the worker has health insurance coverage, the health care provider is entitled to ask for payment.
• PLEASE NOTE:  Any payment made to the health care provider may be recovered at a later date once the health insurance coverage is confirmed and the medical claim has been paid by OHIP to the health care provider.
• If the health card has not been received 4-6 weeks after the registration has been completed, contact ServiceOntario INFOline at 1-800-664-8988 to check the status of the health card.

If the worker has not been registered for health insurance coverage and requires medical services:

• If the worker requires immediate medical attention and has not been registered for OHIP coverage, contact the Liaison Officer or Consulate. The applicable consulate will contact ServiceOntario directly to escalate the registration.
• Workers should not be refused emergency health services as determined by the health care provider.
• If medical services are required and the health care provider cannot confirm the worker has health insurance coverage, the health care provider is entitled to ask for payment.
• PLEASE NOTE:  Any payment made to the health care provider may be recovered at a later date once the health insurance coverage is confirmed and the medical claim has been paid by OHIP to the health care provider.
• If there continues to be a problem with their health card, contact  ServiceOntario INFOline at 1-800-664-8988. ServiceOntario will help whenever possible.

APPENDIX:
COVID-19 Emergency Measures – Farm Worker Applications

In response to COVID-19, the Ministry of Health has removed the in-person visit requirement for health card
registrations and renewals for Migrant Farm Workers and Temporary Farm Workers working full-time on a farm.
Request for registration and/or renewal may be sent to the ServiceOntario Hamilton office via:
Mail: 119 King Street West, 4th Floor, Hamilton ON L8P 4Y7
• When completing the forms, as proof of residency for the worker, farms will indicate their full address of the
farm/producer.
• Photocopies or faxed copies of documents are considered acceptable during this time.
• Applications are photo and signature exempt, but a photo on file for renewals that are less than 10 years old will
be re-used
• Health Cards will be mailed as usual, but a Transaction Record will not be issued

Documents Required:

Applicants must include the following:

1. The completed Seasonal Agricultural Workers Registration for Ontario Health Coverage form (given to each worker
at the airport or printed from the internet). Note: The worker’s legal name must be written as it appears on
their Work Permit
2. Passport
3. Work Permit. Note: SAWP may be noted in the EMPLOYER section and the expiry date will usually be
December 15 of the current year
4. Previous health number (if known, to be completed on the registration form).
5. Address of farm (to be completed on the registration form)

Who should I contact for more information on ServiceOntario or Ministry of Health
programs?
Please contact the ServiceOntario INFOline between 8:30am and 5:00pm at
1-800-664-8988 or TTY for the hearing impaired at 1-800-387-5559.

Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB)

INFORMATION FOR EMPLOYERS

WSIB coverage for Commonwealth Caribbean and Mexican Seasonal Agricultural Workers

When foreign agricultural workers are injured or become ill on the job in Ontario, they are eligible for WSIB benefits and services like any Ontarians covered by the WSIB.

Workplace injury or illness coverage for foreign agricultural workers starts the day they arrive at the agreed upon departure location in their home country and remains in place until they return home.

While in Ontario, these workers are covered when:

• Coming from the airport in Ontario to your business; and
• Using a bus or car when travelling to and from your business on a direct, uninterrupted route; and
• taking time off or during meal time while on your properties; and
• sleeping in the accommodation you provide.

They’re generally not covered when:

• taking part in recreational activities away from your properties; or
• visiting with family and friends.

For information on how to report a workplace injury or illness visit http://wsib.ca or call 1-800-387-0750

Agriculture and Horticulture Safety Centre

Workplace Safety & Prevention Services is here for you, as your agriculture sector, designated health and safety provider within the Ontario prevention system, to address the health and safety
challenges you face including ensuring the safety of temporary foreign agricultural workers. We offer agri-specific training and consulting services on topics such as:

•  Tractor safety
• New agricultural workers orientation
• Supervisor responsibilities
•  Temporary foreign agricultural worker safety
• COVID-19 protocols

Online Resource Hub
Our Agriculture and Horticulture Safety Centre includes a Resource Hub with a large inventory of free, easy to use tools for all agriculture hazards in a variety of formats:

•  Instructional and awareness videos
• Free download information sheets
• Recorded webinars

FOR MORE INFORMATION
WSPS.CA/farmsafety
customercare@wsps.ca | 1-877-494-WSPS (9777)

PESTICIDE SAFETY TRAINING for Farmer Assistants

ONTARIO PESTICIDE EDUCATION PROGRAM, UNIVERSITRY OF GUELPH RIDGETOWN CAMPUS

Farmer Assistants who handle Class B or C pesticides must:

• Be trained to handle pesticides safely through training recognized by the Ontario Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks
• Be 16 years of age or older
• Re-train every 5 years

A Farmer Assistant is anyone working on the farm who handles Class B or C pesticides under the supervision of a Certified Farmer.
A Certified Farmer may supervise up to 3 Farmer Assistants at any given time.

Duties – Farmer Assistants may:

• Mix, load or apply Class B or C pesticides

Restrictions of Duties – Farmer Assistants may not:

• Purchase pesticides
• Select or recommend  the type of pesticide
• Select the rate of application
• Select the means of storage, or disposal of empty containers
• Calibrate equipment to apply the pesticides
• Transport or dispose of waste pesticides
• Use a Class B pesticide or fumigant that produces a suspension in air in  buildings
• Use a Class C pesticide or fumigant that produces a suspension of air in buildings if the label states to prevent entry to the treated area with locks, barricades, or signs.

Training for Farmer Assistants

There are two ways for Farmer Assistants to get the training they need.

They can:

• Participate in the Grower Pesticide Safety Course (and not write the exam). The course fee is $105.

or

• Participate in an on-farm training session given by an On-Farm Instructor

On-Farm Instructors

Certified Farmers qualify as On-Farm Instructors by participating in a half-day course. The course fee is $65. There is a $25 registration fee for each Farmer Assistant that you train. To register for an On-Farm Instructor Course, please call 1-800-652-8573 or sign up for a course by visiting our website – www.opep.ca
Spanish speaking On-Farm instructors are available for hire in the Caledonia, Brantford, Sarnia, Chatham and Leamington areas. Call us for a referral.

As a Certified Farmer, you are responsible for all pesticide use and handling on your farm. This includes pesticide use and handling by any Farmer Assistants you may supervise.

For more information please contact:

Ontario Pesticide Education Program University of Guelph Ridgetown Campus Ridgetown ON  NOP 2CO
Ph:1-800-652-8573; Fax:519-674-1589
www.opep.ca       rcopep@uoguelph.ca