As an employer, you are responsible for immediately notifying us when certain workplace incidents occur, such as when a worker is seriously injured or killed on the job, a building collapses, or there is a major release of a hazardous substance.

To notify us of an incident, contact the Prevention Information Line.

An employer's requirement to notify us of serious injuries or incidents is different from reporting injuries related to claims. If there is an injury on the job, the injured worker's employer still must complete and submit an Employer's Report of Injury of Occupational Disease (form 7), but this does not satisfy an employer's need to immediately report certain incidents. For more information about this reporting requirement, see section 68 of the Workers Compensation Act.

Incidents requiring immediate notification

Employers are responsible for immediately notifying us, using the Prevention Information Line, if any of the following incidents have happened in the workplace:

• A worker is seriously injured or killed on the job.
• There is a major structural failure or collapse of a building, bridge, tower, crane, hoist, temporary construction support system, or excavation.
• There is a major release of a hazardous substance.
• There is a diving incident as defined by OHS Regulation 24.34.
• There is a dangerous incident involving a fire or explosion that had potential for causing serious injury to a worker.
• There is a blasting incident that results in personal injury or injuries.

Serious injuries are those that are life-threatening or could cause permanent injury. Serious injuries include traumatic injuries such as major fractures, amputations, and serious burns. Serious injuries also include incidents such as exposure to chemicals and heat and cold stress, as these could result in life-threatening conditions or cause permanent impairment.

When any of these incidents happen in the workplace, employers are also required to conduct an investigation into the incident.

For more details about what is considered a serious injury, see Guideline G-P2-68-1.

When there is an incident

Before immediately notifying us about a serious workplace incident, employers must first:

• Address any workplace conditions that could be hazardous to other workers
• Ensure any injured worker(s) receive prompt first aid and medical treatment

Once the workplace has been secured and any injured workers have been attended to, contact us using our Prevention Information Line.

Unless instructed otherwise by one of our officers, be sure the scene of the incident is not disturbed except to:

• Attend to someone who has been injured or killed
• Prevent further injuries
• Protect property that is in danger because of the incident

Immediate notification ensures quick response

When we are notified, our officers will:

• Inspect the workplace to make sure other workers are protected before any work on the jobsite continues
• Ensure any post-incident response or activity is performed safely
• Offer connections to available counselling services, where and as appropriate
• Provide referrals to our Claims team
• Determine whether an incident investigation is appropriate

Employers who don't immediately notify WorkSafeBC when serious incidents occur may be subject to enforcement, such as an administrative penalty.