WorkSafeBC Home

How we classify industries

Our classification system groups employers in similar industries with similar levels of risk, so we're able to set fair rates that reflect the rate of injury and illness in your industry.

The classification unit is the basic grouping of our classification system. It represents one or more industries, and is based on the products they produce, the services they provide, and the processes, technology, or materials they use.

Employers in the same industry share the same classification unit and pay the same base premium rate for insurance. An industry's base premium rate reflects the risk of injury and historical claim costs. The higher the risk and relative claim costs, the higher the industry's base premium rate will be.