The Policy, Regulation and Research Division is releasing a discussion paper on adding diseases caused by communicable viral pathogens, including COVID-19, to Schedule 1 of the Workers Compensation Act with options and draft amendments to stakeholders for comment.

If a disease is identified in Schedule 1 and the worker was employed in the corresponding process or industry listed in the Schedule, then WorkSafeBC presumes the cause of the disease is work-related, unless the contrary is proved.

Proposed deletions are identified with a strikethrough and additions are identified in bold.

Discussion paper

There are a number of ways for stakeholders to provide feedback on the options and draft amendments:

The consultation period for this item will end at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, June 12, 2020 (consultation has been expedited and will end on June 12th, in order for the Board of Directors to consider the proposed amendments at its July meeting). The Board of Directors will consider stakeholder feedback before making a decision on the draft amendments.

Please note that all comments become part of the Policy, Regulation and Research Division’s database and may be published, including the identity of organizations and those participating on behalf of organizations. The identity of those who have participated on their own behalf will be kept confidential according to the provisions of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.