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Collections process
WorkSafeBC relies on premiums from employers to cover the cost of B.C.'s workplace injuries. When employers don't pay their premiums or under-report their assessable payroll, there may not be enough funds to cover the cost of claims, and assessment rates can increase as a result.
The Collections Section is responsible for the collection of overdue receivables. These receivables are funds owed to WorkSafeBC and may include assessment premiums, assessment-related penalties, overdue penalties, health and safety infraction penalties, and claim benefit overpayments.
As an employer if you under-remit on your assessment, fail to report your payroll, or have monthly overdue charges, you may be contacted by a WorkSafeBC collection officer. You can avoid collection action by promptly remitting payments, and by meeting health and safety requirements at your workplace.
If you owe a receivable to WorkSafeBC, a collection officer may engage in one or more of the following activities:
- Contact you directly to obtain payment or work out a payment arrangement with you
- Contact third-parties who may be liable for an amount owing, or are themselves a source of collection
- Initiate legal action to recover an amount owing
- Attach WorkSafeBC compensation benefits – when appropriate, the recipient is liable for an overdue receivable
The Workers
Compensation Act contains collection-related provisions that allow
for WorkSafeBC to claim a statutory lien or priority for an overdue debt,
to obtain a judgment without a court appearance, and permit collection
of a debt from a third-party.