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WorkSafeBC

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Programs and services

Vocational rehabilitation services offers several programs and services to assist injured workers in returning to work.

Work assessments

The purpose is to assess a worker's suitability for the identified job opportunity. The work schedule can be full work days, partial, or graduated in nature. WorkSafeBC continues to pay full vocational rehabilitation benefits. One of the main advantages of this type of program is that the participating employer is protected from costs of any new injury or aggravation of the old injury or condition.

Work site or job modification

The purpose of this is to create a match between the worker's abilities and the demands of the job. WorkSafeBC may provide assistance to modify the physical demands or requirements of a job by changing the task or how it's done, changing the worker's technique, changing the routine, or adding ergonomic aids. WorkSafeBC may pay the entire cost or negotiate with the employer to share the costs, especially where the changes have a positive impact on other employees.

Job search assistance

Assistance such as vocational assessment and goal setting, job search skill training, resume writing, referral to employment resources, and direct placement assistance may be provided to assist workers in their efforts to return to the workforce. To receive this assistance, workers are expected to actively participate and to demonstrate their commitment to return to work. WorkSafeBC will consider providing funding where a worker is required to move to secure employment. Workers may also be eligible to receive assistance to relocate if required to secure employment.

Employment development and placement (EDAP)

Employment development and placement (EDAP) is a tool available to assist vocational rehabilitation consultants (VRCs) and injured workers with finding and securing suitable re-employment opportunities. Two EDAP programs have been developed: Hire a Worker allows employers to submit job opportunities to WorkSafeBC, and Job Finder allows injured workers to access these opportunities in their job search. Injured workers referred to Vocational Rehabilitation Services can use Job Finder to access information on available jobs. Workers contact their VRC directly if they want to pursue a job opportunity.

Job Finder: Employment assistance for B.C.'s injured workers (PDF 95kb)
Hire a Worker Program: Hiring assistance for B.C. employers (PDF 87kb)

Training-on-the-job

Training-on-the-job agreements are shared cost programs between WorkSafeBC and an employer. The training is undertaken at an employer's work site where the worker learns specific marketable skills on the job that lead directly to employment. WorkSafeBC prefers to reimburse the employer, usually on a sliding scale, as the worker becomes more productive. With this program, the employer has some protection from claim costs arising during the program. Participating employers receive protection from the costs incurred associated with certain employment injuries and aggravations occurring in the course of training-on-the-job program.

Formal training

New skills and knowledge are gained in trades, technical or academic programs. WorkSafeBC may pay all costs of the program if determined to be necessary. A worker can request funding be put towards a program of their choice should the cost exceed what WorkSafeBC considers to be the most efficient plan.

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