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

Who needs it

Restaurants & cafésOnce you hire staffGrocers & specialty food shopsOnce you hire staff

The rules behind this page

Last checked 26 September 2026. We check this guide regularly against Island Health, provincial and municipal sources, but regulations and laws change often and we can’t guarantee it is complete or current. Confirm with Island Health and your municipality before you apply, build or sell.

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