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What are the injury reporting requirements for employers in BC?

On Behalf of | Feb 8, 2015 | Workplace Injuries |

Under the Workers Compensation Act, employers in British Columbia are subject to strict requirements with regard to workplace injuries and some accidents that do not result in injury. Following is a clarification of required post-accident procedures and what employers must report to WorkSafeBC in the event of a workplace accident.

If a worker is injured on the job, then the employer is responsible for transporting the worker to the nearest place where he or she can receive medical treatment. Covering the cost of transportation also falls to the employer.

Workplace injuries must be reported to WorkSafeBC within specified timeframes. When a serious or fatal injury occurs, the incident must be reported by phone immediately. Other injuries and certain kinds of accidents must be reported within three business days of the incident. If the employer learns of the incident some time after its occurrence, then the three-day timeframe for reporting starts once the employer or the employer’€™s representative is made aware of the incident.

The employer is also responsible for completing and submitting an official injury report, which may be the online Incident and Injury Report or the Employer’s Report of Injury or Occupational Disease. The injured worker’s correct payroll information should be included in these documents.

In addition to work-related injuries that require medical treatment or lost work time, certain other kinds of accidents must also be reported, regardless of whether anyone was injured. Those incidents may include explosions, major structural failures and leaks of dangerous substances.

The lawyers of Overholt Law LLP handle a variety of matters related to workplace accidents. To learn more, please visit our Occupational Health and Safety overview.

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