BC Ministry of Labour
WorksafeBC was established by provincial legislation as an agency with the mandate to oversee a no-fault insurance system for the workplace. Most employers in BC are required to register and the insurance coverage is automatic for their workers
WorksafeBC:
- promotes the prevention of workplace injury, illness, and disease through regulatory development and enforcement
- provides compensation and medical benefits including workers' loss of wages while recovering from injuries. WorksafeBC also provides rehabilitation services for those who are injured.
- is solely funded by employers in BC and not by public taxes. Employers register and pay insurance premiums directly to WorkSafeBC
Workplace injury claims
If a worker is injured while working for an employer in B.C., they can receive compensation through WorkSafeBC.
- all “workers” (as defined by the Workers Compensation Act) are covered, regardless of whether or not their employer is registered or of their immigration status
- it is against the law to prevent or coerce workers to not file a work-related injury
Workplace Health and Safety
WorkSafeBC develops and regulates health and safety laws in BC through:
- Consultation, outreach, and partnerships
- Regulation and enforcement
- Inspections (over 300 officers in BC) and online database (available to the public) of employers who have penalties for non-compliance
Additional Information:
- If a worker is injured at work, WorkSafeBC insurance covers medical costs, wages/salary if you are unable to work, and rehabilitation costs, but it does not pay for “pain and suffering”
- Most other provinces (such as Alberta and Ontario) do not have a similar agency that includes both claims management and health and safety enforcement. Generally, their “WCB” only handles injury claims and the health and safety enforcement falls directly under a government department (eg Labour).
- workplace injuries
- serious incidents
- completed injury investigations
- contractor clearance letters (optional)
- report payroll
Benefits of Joining
- If a worker submits a claim and the employer is not registered when they should have been, the claim will still be paid by WorkSafeBC and then WorkSafeBC can seek legal action to recover the full cost of the claim.
- Injured workers cannot sue employers for work-related injuries
- Work with WorkSafeBC to prevent work-related injuries and to manage injury claims to promote a safe and healthy return to work
- Having WorkSafeBC insurance ensures that all of your workers are insured for workplace injuries and illnesses that occur in the course of their employment.
WorkSafeBC also provides premiums from the winery CU employers to the Manufacturing Safety Alliance of BC so they can provide health and safety support and resources to employers in need.
Costs of Joining
- WorksafeBC uses “base rates” to calculate annual assessment amounts. For example, in 2020 the rates are:
- CU 711023 Winery (including vineyards owned by a winery) $1.18/$100 payroll
- CU 701026 Vineyard (not owned by a winery) $1.24/$100 payroll
- WorksafeBC uses total payroll for the calendar year to determine the assessment amount. If the annual amount is estimated at over $1,500 the payment is due quarterly. If not, annually.
- There is also an “experience” rating for each employer that can result in a 50% discount or $100% surcharge on the base rate. The rating is based on your claims costs relative to other businesses in your CU (classification unity)
Before starting a winery or vineyard, read the Health and Safety Guide for Wineries and Vineyards
Insurance information, coverage requirements, reporting payroll and paying premiums
Conducting and submitting employer incident investigations
Manufacturing webpage—click on food and beverage processing to see risks and hazards
Do I need a clearance letter for contractors?