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How will health and safety benefit my business?
A commitment to health and safety can create a better work environment, help businesses retain good workers, and lead to greater productivity and better customer service from workers who are trained to do their jobs safely. Fewer workplace accidents can also reduce business costs such as those incurred in training temporary employees, repairing property damage, or paying WorkSafeBC fines and increased WorkSafeBC premiums.
My supervisor has asked me to perform a task I believe is dangerous. What can I do?
Workers have the right to refuse work they have reasonable cause to believe is dangerous to their health. The first thing you should do is tell your supervisor that you think the task is dangerous. Together, you and your supervisor should be able to discuss the issue and find a safe solution. If the two of you cannot find a solution, continue the discussion with a worker health and safety representative (or another worker selected by you if there is no representative). If a solution still cannot be found, you or your employer can call the WorkSafeBC Prevention Information Line at 604-276-3100 in the Lower Mainland, or 1-888-621-7233 (621-SAFE) toll-free in British Columbia.
What are the minimum WorkSafeBC requirements for first aid?
The hazard rating of your worksite, the number of workers per shift, the types of injuries likely to occur and the travel time to the nearest hospital will determine what first aid service you must provide. The OHS Regulation requires that each employer conduct an assessment to determine appropriate first aid service for their worksite. Guidelines recommending appropriate levels of first aid service and a flow chart(PDF 89 KB) to guide you through the assessessment are available on our web site.
For example, if you determine through your assessment that your business is low risk, the Guidelines state that:
If your workplace is 20 minutes or less from a hospital:
- For 2 - 10 workers per shift, provide a basic first aid kit
- For 11 - 50 workers per shift, provide a level 1 first aid kit and a Level 1 first aid attendant.
If your workplace is more than 20 minutes from a hospital:
- For 2 - 10 workers per shift, provide a basic first aid kit
- For 6 - 30 workers per shift, provide a level 1 first aid kit and a Level 1 first aid attendant.
I recently hired a subcontractor. Am I responsible for her health and safety?
Yes, employers are responsible for the health and safety of their own workers. Employers hiring contractors or subcontractors should check with WorkSafeBC to determine their obligations regarding health and safety matters. It's also a good idea to check with WorkSafeBC to make sure the contractors or subcontractors you hire are registered with WorkSafeBC. If they aren't, your company could be liable for their insurance premiums if there's an injury or accident. A clearance letter will tell you whether a business, contractor, or subcontractor is registered with WorkSafeBC and up-to-date on their payments.
We've never had an accident at our workplace. Do we still need to set up a health and safety program?
Yes. All B.C. workplaces, including hospitality small businesses, are required to have an occupational health and safety program. Your health and safety program will help you maintain your excellent safety record.
As an employer do I have to report all injuries?
For all work-related injuries that required medical treatment (even if the worker may not have missed time from work) you must:
- Fill out and submit a Form 7(Employer's Report of Injury or Occupational Disease) to WorkSafeBC Compensation Services within three days.
- If a first aid attendant assisted the worker, you should also complete a First Aid Record. This must be retained on site
- Conduct an incident investigation to determine the cause of the incident, and provide copies of the investigation report to the worker health and safety representative (if applicable) and WorkSafeBC.
Note: For serious accidents, incidents, and injuries, you must notify WorkSafeBC immediately as defined by WCA, Division 10, Section 172, Immediate notice of certain accidents.
What is considered a serious accident or incident? And how do I report these?
These are accidents or incidents where employers are required by the Workers Compensation Act to immediately notify WorkSafeBC at 604-276-3100 or toll-free 1-888-261-SAFE (7233).
To report after-hours and weekend accidents:
call 604-273-7711 or 1-866-922-4357 (WCB-HELP)
A row of shelves fell in my store. No one was injured. Do we need to conduct an investigation?
Yes. Employers must investigate all incidents -- accidents as well as near misses like this one. The purpose of conducting the investigation is to make sure the incident doesn't happen again, and no one gets hurt.
My job requires me to lift and stack heavy boxes. What is the maximum allowable lifting weight?
There is no specific maximum allowable lifting weight. However, if you are required to lift heavy boxes, the employer must ensure that you can do this task safely. This includes using proper lifting techniques and knowing when to use dollies or carts or to ask for help.
I often work alone at night. What do I do if I'm robbed or injured?
Your employer must have a written procedure and safeguards for working alone. Your supervisor must review these procedures with you as part of your training. These safe work procedures should be included in the health and safety program.
Can I smoke at work?
The owner or employer must control the exposure of workers to environmental tobacco smoke by prohibiting smoking in the workplace or by restricting smoking to a designated smoking area.
I only have a staff of two. Should we still have monthly health and safety meetings or is a lesser frequency adequate?
Yes, you still need to have regular monthly meetings to ensure workers have an opportunity to discuss health and safety matters and to correct unsafe conditions or procedures. As an employer, you must also keep records of the meetings and the matters discussed.
Regulation and assessment
I operate a small business. Do I need to register with WorkSafeBC?
Almost all employers in British Columbia must register with WorkSafeBC. This includes employers in home-based businesses, as well as some contractors, subcontractors and residential employers.
To find out more about registration requirements, contact WorkSafeBC's Employer Service Centre:
- Phone 604 244-6181 or toll-free at 1-888-922-2768
- Register online
What happens if I don't register?
If you are required to register and don't, you could be fined and charged the total compensation costs of an injury plus retroactive insurance premiums, should one of your workers be injured.
How much does it cost to register?
There is no charge for registering. However, once you obtain WorkSafeBC coverage, you will be charged annual or quarterly premiums for your workplace disability insurance coverage. Premiums are directly related to industry you're engaged in and the amount of your payroll.
How can I register?
While online registration is the fastest way to register, you can also register by:
- Online
- Contacting the Employer Service Centre at 1 888 922-2768 or 604 244-6181 to request an application
- Faxing your application to 604 244-6490
- Mailing your application to WorkSafeBC, PO Box 5350 Stn Terminal, Vancouver, BC V6B 5L5
As the owner/operator of a small motel, can I personally opt out of the WorkSafeBC program?
Yes, as "a proprietor" (or a spouse) you are not automatically covered for compensation benefits; you can, however, apply for Personal Optional Protection (POP) from WorkSafeBC. Details of this coverage can be explained by the Employer Service Centre, 604-244-6181, or toll-free at 1-888- 922-2768.
How do I contact the Employer Service Centre?
Do I have to pay WorkSafeBC premiums if my teenage children work for me in the business?
Yes. Children of the employer are considered workers and are automatically covered if there is an employment relationship.
To find out more about registration requirements, contact WorkSafeBC's Employer Service Centre:
- Phone 604 244-6181 or toll-free at 1-888-922-2768
- Register online
Can I pay the medical cost of an employee's injury to prevent increased WorkSafeBC premiums?
No. All work-related injuries must be reported to WorkSafeBC.
Do I need to register if I'm a labour contractor?
Although registration is not mandatory, it is permitted. If you don't register, you and your employees are covered by the prime contractor's registration. The prime contractor is then responsible for paying premiums or reporting work-related injuries.
Labour contractors include unincorporated individuals or partners who:
- Have workers and supply labour only to one firm at a time (e.g. a framer with one or more workers in the construction industry)
- Are not defined as workers, do not employ workers or supply major materials or major revenue-producing equipment, but do contract a service to two or more firms on an ongoing basis (e.g. a janitor who has two or more ongoing contracts with two unaffiliated firms)
- May or may not have workers, but contract a service which includes one piece of major revenue-producing equipment to a business or a person (e.g. a backhoe contractor who supplies a backhoe)
Do I need to register if I'm a worker?
In fact workers cannot register with WorkSafeBC or waive their rights to compensation. A worker is anyone employed full-time, part-time or casually, and who is paid a wage, salary or commission by the job, or on a piecework basis. This includes administration, management and clerical staff as well as labourers.
Do I need to register if I'm building my own home?
If you take on the role of a general contractor in the construction of your own home, you are required to register, even if the subcontractors you hire carry their own registration. Contact the Employer Service Centre for details.
Also, check the status of subcontractors working for you by using WorkSafeBC's clearance letter service.
Do I need to register if I'm hiring contractors or subcontractors?
Probably. To be sure, contact the Employer Service Centre. Remember, even if you hire subcontractors who carry their own insurance, you should ask to see their WorkSafeBC account number.
What is a clearance letter?
A clearance letter will tell you whether a business, contractor, or subcontractor is registered with WorkSafeBC and up-to-date on their payments. Clearance letters may contain the following descriptions:
Active and in good standing
The firm is registered and up to date with its payments. Keep in mind that the clearance is valid only until the date of the firm's last payment.
Cancelled and in good standing
The firm has cancelled its account and does not owe premiums. If the firm is required to be registered, you could be liable for retroactive premiums. Visit Registration for more information about who's required to register or contact our Employer Service Centre.
Active and delinquent
The firm owes premiums. You could be held responsible for premiums related to your contract if you hire the firm.
Cancelled and delinquent
The firm owes premiums. You could be held responsible for premiums related to your contract if you hire the firm. If you're not sure whether you or the subcontractor needs to be registered, visit Registration for more information about who's required to register or contact our Employer Service Centre.
Recently registered
We're unable to comment because the firm's first payment is not yet due. You should ask the firm when its payment is due and return to this site on that date to check the clearance status.
Recently registered and subsequently cancelled
We're unable to comment because the firm's final payment is not yet due. You should check again at the beginning of next month to see if the firm's clearance status has changed.
Not reported its annual assessment
We're unable to comment because the firm hasn't provided year-end payroll figures. Until the firm reports its payroll, we can't determine whether it paid the correct assessment.
Unable to comment
The transactions on this account haven't yet been fully processed. Please try again tomorrow or contact our Clearance Section at 604 244-6380 or toll free at 1 888 922-2768.
How do I get a clearance letter?
You can get a clearance letter:
- Online
- By phone: 604 244-6380 or toll-free at 1-888-922-2768, or fax 604-244-6390.
Is there a cost for a clearance letter?
No. Our clearance letters are free of charge.
What is a clearance alert?
A way to be notified of changes to a subcontractor's clearance status by e-mail. You can sign up online by providing the names of the subcontractors for whom you'd like to receive updates and WorkSafeBC will send you an e-mail when there is a change to their clearance status.
Do I need to register if my business is only in B.C. temporarily?
The requirement for registration is based on the number of times your business comes (or intends to come) into B.C.
Registration is required:
- If your business comes (or intends to come) into B.C. for a total of 15 or more days each year
- If your business comes (or intends to come) into B.C. for a total of 10 to 14 days as the result of three or more visits within a year
- If your company operates outside B.C. and establishes a place of business in B.C. or employs B.C. residents
Registration not required:
- If your business comes (or intends to come) into B.C. for a total of 10 to 14 days as the result of one or two visits within a year
- If your business comes (or intends to come) into B.C. nine days or less within a year regardless of the number of visits
For more information, contact the Employer Service Centre to determine your registration requirements. Note: there are special requirements for out-of-province trucking firms.
What is POP?
POP stands for Personal Optional Protection. If you are eligible to register and are not automatically covered by WorkSafeBC, you may be able to apply for Personal Optional Protection (POP). POP coverage is an option for:
- A proprietor and spouse, when the business is not an incorporated company
- Partners, when the business is not an incorporated company
- A person considered to be an 'independent operator', who is neither an employer nor an employee
To apply for optional coverage, download the Personal Optional Protection Insurance Application Package. The package contains both the registration and POP forms, which can be returned by mail or fax, or in person.
Mail the forms to:
WorkSafeBC, Assessment Department
P.O. Box 5350, Station Terminal
Vancouver, BC V6B 5L5
Or fax them to 604 214-6956.
Make sure you sign the form and carefully read the terms and conditions of the coverage. Alternately, you can contact the Employer Service Centre to obtain a copy of the form, and submit it as described above. Individuals or firms who aren't required to register but would like to anyway may be able to purchase Voluntary coverage. Contact the Employer Service Centre for more details.
Who is exempt from registering with WorkSafeBC?
You're exempt if:
- You're the owner or occupier of a private residence (see registration information for Homeowners and Residential Employers) and:
- You regularly employ a person or firm for an average of less than eight working hours a week
- You employ a person or firm to provide before and after school care for your children for an average of less than 15 working hours a week
- You employ a person or firm to do a specific job or jobs for a temporary period of less than 24 working hours
- You or your spouse own an unincorporated business and don't employ workers (spouses include common-law and same sex spouses)
- You own an incorporated personal financial holding company and you don't employ workers other than the principal shareholders.
- The activities of your company are restricted to the management of personal investments such as:
- Investments in publicly-traded stocks and bonds
- Interest bearing financial instruments such as GICs (Guaranteed Investment Certificates)
- Non-revenue producing land, buildings and/or equipment where there is no development, construction or direct rental activity
How do I know when my registration is complete?
It depends on how you registered.
If you registered online:
At the end of the session, you will be assigned an Internet Registration Confirmation Number (IRCN). This is a temporary number only. Your permanent WorkSafeBC account number will be e-mailed to you and a letter will follow by mail.
If you registered by mail or fax:
You will receive a letter confirming your registration. You may also be contacted by WorkSafeBC if we need clarification or additional information.
How do you set my rate?
WorkSafeBC uses a classification and rate making system to ensure the costs of compensation are fairly distributed. Employers in industries with similar claim costs pay similar base rates. The same base rate applies to all employers in a classification unit. The rate is expressed as an amount per $100 of assessable payroll. Experience rating adjustments may result in a discount or surcharge on your base rate.
How do I report my payroll and make my payments to WorkSafeBC?
The quickest and easiest ways are to report and pay online from the comfort of your own computer, or by calling our automated phone system at 604 244-6181 or 1 888 922-2768. If you prefer, you can use the forms we mail you during the year to report you payroll. If your premiums are $1500 a year or less, you'll need to submit the Employer Payroll and Contract Labour Report once a year along with your payment. If your premiums are more than $1500 a year, you'll be required to submit four payments with your Employer's Remittance Forms, as well as a year-end payment with your Employer Payroll and Contract Labour Report.
Can I deduct the cost of my WorkSafeBC premiums from my workers' pay cheques?
No. It's against the law to deduct premiums from your workers, either directly or indirectly.
What if I disagree with my classification?
If you disagree with a classification decision, you may request a review from the Review Division within 90 days of the date of the decision.
If you have questions about the decision, you may ask to have it clarified by the Assessment Department. If additional information comes to light, the department may reconsider its decision at any time.
How do I contact the Employer Service Centre?
If you need personal assistance contact WorkSafeBC's Employer Service Centre between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. (PST), Monday through Friday.
- Phone: 604 244-6181 or toll-free 1 888 922-2768
- Fax: 604 244-6490
- Mail:
WorkSafeBC Assessment Department
PO Box 5350, Stn. Terminal
Vancouver, BC V6B 5L5 - In person: 6951 Westminster Highway, Richmond, BC
Where can I get help outside WorkSafeBC?
If you're looking for impartial advice, assistance, representation, and training for workers' compensation issues, contact the Employers' Advisers Office.
How do I report claim fraud?
If you suspect fraudulent activity relating to workers' compensation, find out how to report it.
By phone: The Fraud Tip Line (1 877 523-3315) Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Voicemail is available after hours.
By e-mail: SIBinfo@worksafebc.com. The information you provide is confidential. Providing your name is helpful so an investigator can contact you for more information, or clarify information as the investigation develops. The investigator will guard your identity and anything that could identify you may be protected under disclosure legislation. No caller is required to provide their name.
Where can I get technical support for online registration and clearance letters?
For web site technical support call our Customer Support Centre at 604 276-3135 or toll-free 1 888 855-2477 between 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (PST), Monday through Friday, or e-mail ehelp@worksafebc.com.