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WorkSafeBC will have greater ability to investigate workplace incidents under new proposed changes to BC’s Workers Compensation Act.
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Better support coming for injured workers
Published 10:47 PDT, Wed July 15, 2020
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Changes to the Workers Compensation Act will provide better support to injured workers and their families.
The proposed changes will also enhance WorkSafeBC’s ability to investigate workplace incidents, while keeping premiums low. Changes include:
- • Raising the maximum annual salary amount on which workers’ compensation benefits are based
- • Authorizing WorkSafeBC to provide preventative medical treatment before a claim is accepted
- • Giving powers to the court to issue WorkSafeBC search and seizure warrants that are appropriate for investigating workplace safety infractions;
- • Giving people a voice in serious workplace prosecutions and trials by using victim impact statements.
This legislation will fast-track the effective date of presumptions if established by WorkSafeBC’s board of directors for occupational diseases caused by viral pathogens. The presumption would simplify the process for workers who make a workers’ compensation claim if they contract viruses on the job. This would ensure that people who are at higher risk of contracting COVID-19 at work are able to access benefits more quickly.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, WorkSafeBC is allowing businesses to defer paying their premiums for six months without penalty or interest. As well, WorkSafeBC is waiving premiums on wages paid to workers of employers receiving the Canadian Emergency Wage Subsidy for the duration of the program.
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