Preventive measures primarily include post-exposure prophylaxis, such as medications, required to preserve health and prevent the onset of disease following occupational exposure to an infectious disease.

Under policy, WorkSafeBC provided preventive measures if the exposure occurred as a compensable consequence of an objectively verifiable physical trauma (e.g. a needle-stick). However, policy suggested that if the exposure was not accompanied by an objectively verifiable physical trauma (e.g. a blood-splash onto mucous membrane or non-intact skin), WorkSafeBC would not provide preventive measures unless the exposure had caused the onset of an occupational disease.

At issue was whether to amend policy to provide compensation following occupational exposure to an infectious disease in the absence of an objectively verifiable personal trauma, before a worker's infectious status could be conclusively determined; and if so, in what circumstances.

Consultation closed June 8, 2007.