“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.

In order to implement these changes, the Policy, Regulation and Research Division is releasing a discussion paper with options on proposed policy regarding workplace status to stakeholders for comment.

Consultation closed on January 10, 2022.