Getting started
If you’re starting a business and you're not sure if you need coverage or how to register for coverage, this page can help you understand next steps.
- Do I need coverage?
- When and how to apply
- After you apply
- Benefits of coverage
- Frequently asked questions
- Next steps
Do I need coverage?
If one of your employees (workers) is injured or becomes ill while at work, WorkSafeBC insurance provides benefits for them and protection for your business. Most businesses are required by law to have coverage.
To find out if you need coverage, choose the link that best describes your situation:
- I'm a self-employed proprietor or partner: If you’re self-employed with no employees or unregistered subcontractors, you don’t need coverage. If you’re a sole proprietor or in a partnership, you can choose to purchase Personal Coverage to cover your lost income and medical expenses if you get injured or ill at work.
- I hire and pay employees: You’re required to register for WorkSafeBC insurance coverage if you own a business that hires one or more employees on a full-time, part-time, casual, or contract basis.
- I hire contractors or subcontractors: If your business hires contractors, some contractors may be your employees. This means you would be responsible for them as their employer and need to pay premiums for their WorkSafeBC coverage.
- I own an incorporated company: Generally, if you're an owner who is actively involved in your company, you're considered an employee and you need WorkSafeBC coverage. You're responsible for submitting an application for coverage so that we can confirm if your company is required to register.
If you’re required to register for coverage and you aren’t registered, an employee can still file a claim for a workplace injury or illness. If you're not registered, you could be responsible for the employee’s full claim costs, as well as unpaid premiums.
When and how to apply
What you need to know:
- We recommend applying about four weeks before starting your business or hiring an employee. This allows enough time for your coverage to be set up.
- Review the Apply for coverage page for details about the application process, including what information you'll need to apply.
- After you apply, our goal is to review your application within 10 business days.
The easiest way to apply is online. To get started, create an online services profile (or log in if you already have one). See Creating an online services account as an employer for instructions.
The application will take approximately 20 minutes to complete and will be saved automatically as you go. Be sure to include your email address in the application. After you’ve submitted your application, we’ll email your confirmation number to you.
After you apply
If you’re required or eligible for coverage, we’ll set up your insurance account and send you a letter with your account details, classification unit, coverage start date, and premium rate.
If you’re not eligible for coverage, we’ll send you a letter explaining why. If you’re considered an employee, you’ll be covered under your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance.
Benefits of coverage
WorkSafeBC insurance provides protection for employers and benefits for employees who have a work-related injury or illness.
Registering for WorkSafeBC coverage provides you with these benefits:
Frequently asked questions
A premium is the amount your business pays to help cover the cost if you or your employee has a work-related injury or illness. Premiums support medical care, wage-loss benefits, recovery support, and programs that help keep workplaces healthy and safe.
Your premium cost is based on:
- The base rate for your industry or type of business
- Your assessable payroll — the amount of your payroll
- How healthy and safe your workplace is
We calculate your premium using this formula:
Your premium rate × Your assessable payroll = Your premium
Your premium is based on:
- Your industry’s base rate
- Plus or minus an adjustment based on your claims history (your experience rating)
For example:
- If your industry base rate: 3.00%
- Experience rating discount: 10%
- Your adjusted rate: 2.70%
- Assessable payroll: $100,000
2.70% × $100,000 = $2,700
Because of your claim history, you save $300 on your premium.
To learn more about the calculations we use, visit Know how much coverage costs.
When you register for WorkSafeBC coverage, your business is grouped with other businesses who do similar work and face similar risks into a classification unit (CU). All businesses in a CU pay the same base premium rate, based on injury and illness trends in the industry.
If your business does more than one type of work, you may be assigned to more than one CU.
Next steps
After your application is approved, visit the Newly registered page to learn how to:
- Report payroll and pay premiums
- Access your account information and documents
- Meet your workplace health and safety responsibilities
Resources
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How to set up Personal Coverage pre-authorized payment
If you have Personal Coverage insurance, learn how to sign up for pre-authorized payment to streamline the payment process and ensure you don't miss a payment deadline.