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WorkSafeBC History
Before 1917, if a worker was injured on the job, the only option for compensation was to bring a lawsuit against the employer. Besides eliminating expensive and lengthy trials, workers' compensation laws were introduced to:
- Give workers the right to compensation for injuries on the job
- Give employers immunity from lawsuits filed by injured employees
The laws protect both employees and employers. The system is supported financially by employers who pay regular premiums.
Read a summary of WorkSafeBC's historical foundations and milestones, or see the detailed chronology and statistics.
More information and resources
Read a summary of WorkSafeBC's historical foundations and milestones, see a detailed chronology and statistics, or view a complete list of British Columbia Labour Ministers (1917-present).