As we begin our second century, we’ll continue to adapt to meet the evolving needs of workers, employers, and our other stakeholders in British Columbia — all in support of our vision of a British Columbia free from workplace injury, disease, and death.

Highlights

2017 To mark the 100-year anniversary of British Columbia’s workers’ compensation system, we release four videos highlighting our accomplishments in each quarter century.

2017 As part of our 100-year celebration, we collaborate with Science World to create a new exhibit called A Tinkering Space. The space is designed to engage kids and families in workplace health and safety topics and connect with the workers of tomorrow before they enter the workforce.

2017 The provincial government announces the appointment of Ralph McGinn as chair of the board of directors.

2018 Bill 9, the Workers Compensation Amendment Act, 2018, comes into force and adds a mental disorder presumption for workers who are or have been employed in an eligible occupation.

2018 Diana Miles, president and chief executive officer (CEO), retires.

2019 Bill 18, the Workers Compensation Amendment Act, 2019, comes into force and extends the application of the cancer, heart injury, heart disease, and mental disorder presumptions to wildland firefighters, fire investigators, and firefighters working for First Nations or other Indigenous organizations.

2019 The board of directors appoints Anne Naser as the new president and CEO.

2020 WorkSafeBC is deemed an essential service during the COVID-19 pandemic, continuing to support workers, providers, and employers around the province while partnering in the provincial restart plan.

2020 Workers Compensation Act, R.S.B.C. 2019, c.1 takes effect on April 6, 2020. The Act is revised to make laws easier to find and modernize the language, but the revisions do not change B.C.’s laws concerning workers’ compensation, occupational health and safety, or employers’ assessment premiums.

2020 Ralph McGinn, chair of the board of directors, passes away.

2020 The provincial government announces the appointment of Jeff Parr as chair of the board of directors.

2020 Bill 23, the Workers Compensation Amendment Act, 2020, comes into force. The bill contains 34 provisions that include housekeeping amendments and changes relating to compensation, assessment, and occupational health and safety matters.