New requirements now in effect
Changes to the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation (Part 31, Firefighting) that clarify how health and safety requirements apply to society fire brigades and volunteer firefighters came into effect on October 1, 2026.
If your organization engages firefighters — including volunteers — it is considered an employer under the Workers Compensation Act, and those volunteers are considered workers.
What are the changes
The changes align Part 31 of the Regulation with the Workers Compensation Act and clarify how health and safety requirements apply to societies and fire departments, volunteer firefighters, and other fire personnel.
Key changes
- Societies are explicitly included as fire departments and are considered employers for the purposes of the Workers Compensation Act and Occupational Health and Safety Regulation.
- The term "fire personnel" was introduced to capture workers who perform firefighting duties, such as maintenance, training, and inspection, which are not captured by the definition of "firefighter" in the Act.
- All applicable safety requirements extend to both firefighters and fire personnel.
- Forest firefighting remains excluded.
What this means for your society or volunteer fire department
You are an employer
If your fire brigade or volunteer fire department engages firefighters — paid or volunteer — it is an employer for the purposes of the Workers Compensation Act and the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation. This applies even if your organization is a non-profit or volunteers are unpaid.
Volunteer firefighters are workers
Volunteer firefighters and fire personnel are legally considered workers. Volunteer firefighters and fire personnel have the same legal protections and coverage as other workers across B.C.
Workers’ rights include:
- Health and safety protections, including the right to refuse unsafe work, the right to know of workplace hazards and control measures, and the right to participate in health and safety activities
- Compensation coverage in the event of a workplace injury
Employer responsibilities apply
Societies and volunteer fire departments must:
- Register with WorkSafeBC and pay insurance premiums.
- Learn what information you'll need to provide when applying for coverage (see the “For corporations” category).
- Ensure a safe and healthy workplace for workers by complying with the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation and Workers Compensation Act.
- Immediately notify WorkSafeBC when certain workplace incidents occur, such as when a worker is seriously injured or killed on the job, a building collapses, or there is a major release of a hazardous substance.
- Report a worker's injury or illness to WorkSafeBC within 72 hours of becoming aware of it.
Steps to meet your responsibilities as an employer
- Confirm your registration status with WorkSafeBC.
- Understand your responsibilities as an employer.
- Keep accurate records of paid and unpaid work.
- Assign clear responsibility for health and safety in your organization.
- Review your safety program and practices using the resources below.
Key takeaway
These changes clarify that fire brigades and volunteer fire departments are employers and have a legal obligation to ensure workplace health and safety of volunteer firefighters and fire personnel.
Resources to support you
Health and safety fundamentals
- Roles, rights, and responsibilities (webpage)
Everyone has a role in keeping the workplace safe. - Managing risk (webpage)
Identify hazards, assess risk, and put controls in place. - Small businesses — fewer than 20 workers. Resources to help you understand your legal obligations and meet health and safety requirements.
- Creating and Managing a Healthy and Safe Workplace
A comprehensive guide to building and maintaining an effective health and safety program. - Training and orientation for young and new workers (guide)
Resource for employers to ensure workers are trained and prepared. - Emergency planning and response (webpage)
Plan for and be prepared to respond to emergencies. - Conducting an employer investigation (webpage)
Investigate incidents and to help prevent similar situations in future. - Health and safety programs (webpage)
Whether you’re a small or large employer, an effective health and safety program will protect your workers.
Firefighting-specific resources
Additional support for employers
We’re here to help
WorkSafeBC is committed to supporting society fire brigades through this transition.
For questions about:
- Registration, classification, or premiums
Call our Employer Service Centre — 604.244.6181 (Lower Mainland) or toll-free 1.888.922.2768, Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. - Health and safety requirements
Explore the resources above. - Questions about workplace health and safety
Call our Prevention Information Line — 604.276.3100 (Lower Mainland) or toll-free 1.888.621.7233, Monday to Friday from 8:05 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.