On March 29, 2012, the Board of Directors approved changes to Items AP1-2-1, Exemptions from Coverage; AP1-2-2, Requesting a Variance from a General Exemption; and AP1-38-1, Registration of Employers, in the Assessment Manual.  These changes were made to clarify policy direction and ensure consistency with current practice.

In particular, changes to:

• Item AP1-2-1 clarify that in determining the exemption from WorkSafeBC insurance coverage for homeowners and residents who hire a person for a specific job that takes less than 24 hours, it is the total person-hours for the job that is relevant;  
• Item AP1-2-2 clarify that individuals or firms may request voluntary coverage; and
• Item AP1-38-1 revise the definition of a division by replacing the term “limited company” with the more inclusive term “firm” and remove the requirement for firms to maintain payroll records physically separate, since most firms maintain these records electronically. 

These amendments came into effect on June 1, 2012, and apply to all decisions made on or after that date.