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:
- https://www.worksafebc.com/en/insurance/need-coverage/who-needs-coverage/contractors-subcontractors
- https://smallbusinessbc.ca/article/im-a-contractor-do-i-need-worksafebc-coverage/
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.