The Policy, Regulation and Research Division has prepared draft policy workplans for stakeholder review and comment. These workplans encompass proposed policy priorities relating to compensation, occupational disease, assessments and occupational health and safety.

Read the latest issue of WorkSafe Magazine, featuring articles on safety inside a cannabis greenhouse, three steps for performing a risk assessment, and disposal tips for renovation waste.

In November 2018, we began assigning nine-digit WorkSafeBC employer account numbers to employers who open a new account with us. The nine-digit numbers for new employer accounts allow our system to accommodate more employers. If you’re an employer who already has an account with us, your six-digit account number will not be affected or changed.

On November 22, 2018, the Board of Directors approved new policies for the Certificate of Recognition Program, Items AP1-42-4 of the Assessment Manual and D2-111-4 of the Prevention Manual.

The Policy, Regulation and Research Division is releasing a discussion paper with options on proposed policy regarding an instalment model for quarterly reporting to stakeholders for comment.

On October 25, 2018 the Board of Directors approved amendments to the Permanent Disability Evaluation Schedule (PDES) in the Rehabilitation Services and Claims Manual, Volume II, to update conditions to ensure the PDES reflects best practices for assessment and diagnosis.

The average base rate for 2019 will remain at the same level as 2018, at 1.55% of employers' assessable payroll.

The Canadian Union of Postal Workers has issued a 72-hour strike notice to Canada Post, with the intent of starting rotating strikes on Monday, October 22, which will result in brief mail delivery delays in selected areas unless an agreement is reached.

The Policy, Regulation and Research Division is releasing a discussion paper reviewing how section 55 of the Workers Compensation Act is applied to mental disorder claims. The discussion paper includes questions for consideration. The feedback received will inform the development of draft policy which will then be released for consultation prior to the Board of Directors’ consideration and approval.

Read the latest issue of WorkSafe Magazine, featuring articles on a Kelowna roofing firm taking safety to the next level; managing fatigue in the workplace; and how a Vancouver brewery gives young workers a voice.

The Occupational Health and Safety Regulation requires that WorkSafeBC be notified of certain types of projects before they begin. The form submitted is called a Notice of Project (NOP) and is currently available online and in print. To address employer feedback and aging technology, we are upgrading the Notice of Project online submission process.

WorkSafeBC will hold public hearing sessions in October 2018 regarding changes to the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation.

A simple, concise publication is now available to guide the work of joint health and safety committees.

Canada Post is currently in collective agreement negotiations with the Canadian Union of Postal Workers. WorkSafeBC encourages workers and providers to register for direct deposit and employers to take advantage of our online services to avoid any potential concerns if postal delivery is affected by these negotiations.

In recognition of Ergonomics Month, WorkSafeBC is hosting our third annual Ergonomics Forum. You're invited to join us for an afternoon of presentations and networking.

To ensure public safety and a coordinated response to the wildfires across British Columbia, the Province of B.C. has declared a state of emergency. WorkSafeBC is monitoring the situation to ensure our ability to provide services to workers, providers, and employers around the province.

The following resources are provided to help employers understand the potential hazards and outline some measures you can take to minimize worker exposure during the wildfire season.

WorkSafeBC’S High Risk Strategies and Industry Initiatives identify and target industries and employers with a high risk of serious workplace injury and a significant contribution to the serious injury rate.

Read the latest issue of WorkSafe Magazine, featuring articles on the process of preventing industrial disasters; staying safe during harvest season; and how the film industry focuses on mental health.

The Policy, Regulation and Research Division is releasing a discussion paper on proposed policy amendments to Part 24 policies on Diving, Fishing, and Other Marine Operations in the Prevention Manual.