On July 26, 2024, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry rescinded all provincial orders related to COVID-19. As a result, WorkSafeBC is applying our claims policy to reflect the ending of the public health emergency for COVID-19. The end of the public health emergency means there is no longer a presumption that a COVID-19 infection is work-related. Claims submitted for COVID-19 contracted through a work-related exposure on or after July 26, 2024, will be adjudicated on a case-by-case basis, which is consistent with other communicable diseases. Please refer to our COVID-19 FAQs below for more detailed information.

We remain committed to making sure employers understand the support you can continue to access from us and what to do if a worker thinks they have a work-related case of COVID-19.

Helping you

Your workers with an existing claim

Our online tools are available to monitor a worker’s claim status, view correspondence about the claim, and submit claims information. You can also view your company's monthly claims costs and access a variety of online services.

Reporting a new claim

Employers can report a workplace injury or disease online or by phone.

If a worker had a work-related exposure to COVID-19, please refer to our COVID-19 claims FAQs below, which includes information on when you should report an illness to WorkSafeBC.

Submitting and managing reviews

If you disagree with a decision made by WorkSafeBC on a claim, assessment, or health and safety enforcement matter, you can request a review of the decision from the Review Division.

COVID-19 claims FAQs

The following FAQs will help you determine what should be reported.

Does a presumption for COVID-19 claims still exist?

No. On July 26, 2024, Dr. Bonnie Henry, British Columbia's provincial health officer, ended the public health emergency for COVID-19 and rescinded all related orders.

As a result, a presumption that a claim for COVID-19 is work-related will no longer apply if the exposure occurred on or after July 26, 2024, and the claim will be adjudicated on the same basis as other communicable diseases going forward.

When do I report a case of COVID-19 to WorkSafeBC?

Claims submitted for COVID-19 contracted through a work-related exposure are adjudicated on a case-by-case basis. WorkSafeBC will look at details such as whether the worker has a diagnosis of COVID-19, their symptoms, and their employment activities.

If you are not at greater risk than the general public of contracting the virus, you do not need to report it, however you are still welcome to do so and we will obtain and assess the evidence to determine if your claim meets the criteria.

Please note: As of July 26, 2024, the end of the public health emergency means there is no longer a presumption that the risk in the workplace is significantly greater for certain occupations than for others. Going forward, COVID-19 claims where the exposure occurred on or after July 26, 2024, will be adjudicated on the same basis as other contagious diseases.

When would catching seasonal influenza or COVID-19 be work-related?

As seasonal influenza and COVID-19 generally affect the community at large, they are generally treated as a public health issue rather than a disease stemming from the nature of a particular employment. The disease can be spread where people meet including but not limited to: workplaces, homes, schools, places of worship, social events, and sporting events. As these diseases are common in the public at large, claims for influenza and COVID-19 may not be compensable. Claims submitted for influenza and COVID-19 contracted through a work-related exposure are adjudicated on a case-by-case basis.

Does WorkSafeBC cover people for a quarantine or self-isolation period?

No. WorkSafeBC does not provide coverage for people who have not contracted COVID-19, but who, on a precautionary basis, are quarantined, self-isolating or sent home. A report is not required in these instances.