Occupational Health & Safety

Occupational health and safety refers to the requirements an employee and employer are expected to implement and follow to ensure organizational safety and well-being. In British Columbia, WorkSafeBC establishes the organizational standards that employers are expected to implement. 

If your organization hires an independent contractor it is important to determine whether:

  • They pay for their own workers compensation coverage; or
  • They are considered a “worker” as defined by WorkSafeBC, and the MSA or Physician Society will be responsible for covering their workers compensation coverage

Below are some resources that can be helpful in making that determination:

This section outlines WorkSafeBC requirements and provides tools and guidelines for how Doctors of BC, through their organizations, can meet these obligations and support the health and well-being of their employees.

If you have additional questions or concerns, please consult your Engagement Partner.

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

EMPLOYER

Must:

  • Determine whether the independent contractor is considered a “worker” as defined by WorkSafeBC and that the appropriate coverage (if applicable) is provided by the independent contractor or by the MSA or Physician Society.
  • Pay any required workers compensation coverage for any applicable “worker”
  • For all identified “workers,” follow all other employer responsibilities for occupational health and safety as outlined in the Regular Employees section of this HR Toolkit.

WORKERS

Must:

  • (If applicable) ensure that they have the appropriate workers compensation coverage either through personal coverage or through their client/employer.
  • Follow all other worker responsibilities for occupational health and safety as outlined in the Regular Employees section of this HR Toolkit.