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At WorkSafeBC, we promote workplace health and safety for workers and employers in British Columbia. Even if you're from another country and working temporarily in B.C., WorkSafeBC covers you with the same rights and responsibilities as other workers in B.C., from day one.

If you have a work-related injury or illness while working in B.C. and you miss work because of it, you can connect with us to understand what compensation and support is available to you.

All B.C. workers, regardless of their immigration status or term of work, are covered by WorkSafeBC insurance.

Employer responsibilities

Health and safety in the workplace is a shared responsibility. Employers need to consult with workers and to ensure they provide a healthy and safe workplace for all workers.

Employers are required to:

• Provide proper orientation, training, and supervision.
• Ensure workers know and understand the hazards.
• When workers report health and safety concerns, investigate and take corrective action without delay.
• Provide protective clothing, devices, and equipment when required, and ensure all equipment is maintained and working properly.
• Provide first aid equipment and trained first aid attendants on site.
• Have a plan for transporting injured or ill workers to the nearest medical facility.
• Ensure workers know how to report workplace injuries and illnesses.
• Co-operate with joint health and safety committees, worker health and safety representatives, WorkSafeBC prevention officers, and anyone with health and safety duties.
• Co-operate with workers in timely and safe return to work following a worker injury (see Employers: Duty to cooperate and duty to maintain employment).

Worker rights

Workers have the following rights:

• The right to know about hazards in the workplace
• The right to participate in health and safety activities in the workplace
• The right to refuse unsafe work*

*By law, employers are prohibited from penalizing workers for raising a health and safety issue. Learn more about the actions workers can take if they feel this has occurred.

Worker responsibilities

As a worker, you play an important role in making sure you — and your fellow workers — stay healthy and safe on the job. As a worker, you must:

• Be alert to hazards. Report them immediately to your supervisor or employer.
• Follow safe work procedures and act safely in the workplace at all times.
• Use the protective clothing, devices, and equipment provided. Be sure to wear them properly.
• Co-operate with joint health and safety committees, worker health and safety representatives, WorkSafeBC prevention officers, and anyone with health and safety duties.
• Get treatment quickly should an injury happen on the job, and tell the health care provider that the injury is work-related.
• Follow the treatment advice of health care providers.
• Return to work safely after an injury by modifying your duties and not immediately starting with your full, regular responsibilities.
• Never work under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any other substance, or if you're overly tired.

Resources

• Staying safe at work (pamphlet)
• Getting a Job? Ask Questions About Safety (brochure)
• Young or new worker (webpage)
• Roles, rights & responsibilities (webpage)

For information in your language

If you have questions about WorkSafeBC services, call our Prevention Information Line at 604.276.3100 in the Lower Mainland or 1.888.621.7233 toll-free in Canada. You can reach us Monday through Friday from 8:05 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and we can put you in touch with someone who speaks your language.