Our Policy, Regulation and Research Division is releasing a discussion paper on determining workplace status with options and draft policy to stakeholders for comment.

"Workplace status" refers to whether someone is an employer, worker, or independent operator. A person’s status defines the rights and responsibilities the person has under the Workers Compensation Act, including compulsory coverage for workers, and obligations of employers to pay assessments into the accident fund.

At issue are changes to WorkSafeBC’s workplace status policies to ensure the policies remain up to date. Changes are necessary to align policy with the Workers Compensation Act and the common law, and to enable WorkSafeBC to make decisions which reflect the changing nature of work in British Columbia.

The discussion paper with options on proposed policy on determining workplace status is now available to stakeholders for comment.

Proposed deletions of policy wording are identified with a strikethrough and additions are highlighted in bold.

Discussion paper

There are a number of ways for you to provide feedback on the options and draft policy amendments:

The consultation period ended January 10, 2022. WorkSafeBC's Board of Directors will consider stakeholder feedback before making a decision on the proposed policy amendments.

Please note that all comments become part of the Policy, Regulation and Research Division’s database and may be published, including the identity of organizations and those participating on behalf of organizations. The identity of those who have participated on their own behalf will be kept confidential according to the provisions of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.