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WorkSafeBC

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Reporting accidents and incidents

Your employer must immediately report the following types of incidents to WorkSafeBC's emergency and accident reporting phone line whether there is an injury or not:

  • Any incident that kills, causes risk of death, or seriously injures a worker
  • Any blasting accident that results in injury, or unusual event involving explosives
  • A diving incident that causes death, injury, or decompression sickness requiring treatment
  • A major leak or release of a dangerous substance
  • A major structural failure or collapse of a structure, equipment, construction support system, or excavation
  • Any serious mishap

Your employer must also report incidents that require you to seek medical attention or cause you to experience time-loss from work.

Discriminatory retaliation by an employer or union regarding a health or safety issue is prohibited.

It is against the law for an employer to persuade or attempt to persuade a worker not to report an injury, disease, death, or hazardous condition to WorkSafeBC.

Accident and incident reporting resources

Discrimination complaints

When a worker claims discriminatory retaliation (such as a suspension, loss of wages, or a reprimand) by an employer or union regarding a health or safety issue, the Worker and Employer Services Division will dispatch an occupational safety or hygiene officer to investigate the complaint. If the officer is unable to resolve the situation the worker can file a formal complaint with the Compliance section of the Investigations Division.

If a formal complaint is made, the Compliance section will review the matter and may appoint a mediator with the worker's and employer's agreement. If a mediated settlement cannot be reached, the complaint will be adjudicated by a Compliance section case officer. If the decision is that discriminatory action took place, the case officer may make a remedial order - for example, compelling the employer or union found in violation to pay expenses, pay back wages, or reinstate the worker.

If an employer, worker, or union disagrees with the decision, they may appeal that decision directly to the Workers' Compensation Appeal Tribunal.

Resources

 

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