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WorkSafeBC History
Before 1917, if a worker was injured on the job, the only option for compensation was to bring a lawsuit against the employer. Besides eliminating expensive and lengthy trials, workers' compensation laws were introduced to:
- Give workers the right to compensation for injuries on the job
- Give employers immunity from lawsuits filed by injured employees
The laws protect both employees and employers. The system is supported financially by employers who pay regular premiums.
More information and resources
Read a summary of WorkSafeBC's historical foundations and milestones, see a detailed chronology and statistics, or view a complete list of British Columbia Labour Ministers (1917-present).