Running a business
WorkSafeBC coverage
Required by law once you hire anyone — full-time, part-time, casual or contract. WorkSafeBC suggests applying 30 days before your first hire. A self-employed owner with no workers doesn’t have to register, but can buy personal coverage.
Changes are coming
- WorkSafeBC premium rates for 2027 — takes effect 1 January 2027. What changes
- New WorkSafeBC rules for combustible dust — takes effect 4 January 2027. What changes
- Psychological health and safety, and harassment and violence rules — proposed, no date set; it may not happen. What changes
- Who issues it
- WorkSafeBC
Do you need it?
You need it if
- You hire anyone — full-time, part-time, casual or contract.
You don’t need it if
- You work alone with no workers (you can still buy personal coverage).
Where this comes from
Sources
- Businesses that hire and pay workersWorkSafeBC · Page timestamp 2025-04-30
- Self-employed proprietors and partnersWorkSafeBC · Page timestamp 2026-03-02
How to get it
- 1
Create an online services profile
On WorkSafeBC’s site; the application takes about 20 minutes. Form 1800 is the paper alternative.
- 2
Have your details ready
Your legal name, birthdate, CRA business number if you have one, mailing address and work location, the date you start and hire, and an estimate of what you’ll pay workers.
- 3
Apply ahead of your first hire
Review takes about 10 business days; WorkSafeBC suggests applying 30 days before you hire.
Where this comes from
Sources
- Apply for coverageWorkSafeBC · As published
Once you have it
- As the owner, you aren’t covered yourself unless you buy optional personal coverage.
Where this comes from
Sources
- Self-employed proprietors and partnersWorkSafeBC · Page timestamp 2026-03-02
Which businesses need it
The rules behind this page
- Businesses that hire and pay workersWorkSafeBC · Page timestamp 2025-04-30
- Apply for coverageWorkSafeBC · As published
- Self-employed proprietors and partnersWorkSafeBC · Page timestamp 2026-03-02