The value of your WorkSafeBC insurance coverage
When you're an employer registered for WorkSafeBC insurance coverage you can take comfort in a system that rewards
you for providing a safe workplace, offers competitive rates, and operates
on a no-fault basis when injuries do occur. What exactly do you get for
your money? Read on. Then find out
how
this differs from other jurisdictions and
what's
expected from you in return.
Low rates
The aggregate
base
rate in B.C. is one of the lowest in North America. Despite the challenges
of under-performing financial markets and increasing claims costs, B.C.
has managed to maintain stable rates for several years – a marked
contrast to many other North American jurisdictions where premiums for
both workers' compensation and general insurance have risen sharply.
Premiums are dedicated solely to workers' compensation
WorkSafeBC does not operate to make a profit, so the
premiums
you pay go entirely towards funding the workers' compensation system for
B.C. Any surplus funds from operations are returned to employers through
rate reductions.
Collective liability
As with other forms of insurance, the WorkSafeBC system is based on the
principle of collective liability. The premiums employers pay are pooled
to cover the cost of claims by injured workers within their industry,
so that no employer has to bear the full cost of a claim alone.
Discounts on premiums
WorkSafeBC's
experience
rating plan was designed with industry to reward employers with good
safety records. The safer you are, the less you pay. If your relative
claims costs are low, you can earn discounts of up to 50 percent on your
rate over a period of time through our experience rating plan. Competitors
who have high relative claims costs could pay as much as a 100 percent
surcharge.
Prevention expertise
Preventing injuries is a primary goal of WorkSafeBC, and we can provide
you with expert advice on how to make your workplace safer. We offer safety
and education training programs, speakers for group meetings, assistance
in establishing safe work practices and procedures, and a wealth of other
safety-related information
– online and in print.
Return-to-work programs
Our staff can help you set up
modified work programs to help injured workers return to healthy and productive
lives.
Assistance with claims
Through our
online services,
you can report work-related injuries, manage claims, and track accident
trends in your firm from the comfort of your computer.
Review and appeal services
The
Review
Division provides impartial reviews of decisions made by WorkSafeBC.
You can also appeal decisions of the Review Division to the Workers' Compensation
Appeal Tribunal, a body independent of WorkSafeBC.
Independent advisory services
The
Employers'
Advisers Office provides independent advice, assistance, representation
and training to employers on workers' compensation issues. Their services
are free of charge.
Opportunities to shape WorkSafeBC policy
We always welcome your input into the workers' compensation system. To
respond to our latest policy proposal or survey, or learn about upcoming
public hearings, be sure to visit the
Law
and Policy section of our web site.
Online services for your business needs
Our award-winning web site gives you access to your account information,
24 hours a day, seven days a week. Whether you're looking to file an accident
report, report your payroll, or change your address, you can do it quickly
here.
