WorkSafeBC Claims Management Process
This policy defines the mandatory process for reporting, investigating, and managing workplace injury claims under the Workers Compensation Act and WorkSafeBC regulations. It establishes clear timelines, documentation standards, return-to-work coordination, and continuous improvement obligations across all operations.
The WorkSafeBC Claims Management Process establishes a standardized, auditable framework for managing all workplace injuries and occupational diseases from the moment of incident to claim closure. This program aligns with Part 3 of the Workers Compensation Act (Occupational Health and Safety) and WorkSafeBC's Claims Management Manual. Every supervisor, manager, and joint health and safety committee member is accountable for executing these procedures without delay. The policy applies to all permanent, temporary, and contracted personnel operating under organizational control.
Key objectives include: (1) ensuring timely reporting within statutory limits, (2) preserving evidence for factual investigation, (3) minimizing claim duration through proactive return-to-work coordination, and (4) reducing recurrence risk via root-cause analysis and corrective action. Non-compliance with any step in this process constitutes a direct violation of corporate safety policy and may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination.
This policy applies to all company-operated worksites, satellite offices, mobile crews, and remote project locations within British Columbia. It governs every worker covered under the organization's WorkSafeBC account, including full-time employees, part-time staff, temporary workers, apprentices, and student workers. Contractors and subcontractors operating under the organization's supervision must also adhere to these procedures as a condition of contract.
Explicitly included: injuries requiring first aid only (record-keeping obligations), injuries resulting in lost time or modified work, occupational disease claims, and psychological injury claims where a workplace cause is alleged. Excluded: claims handled exclusively by a third-party insurer where WorkSafeBC has waived jurisdiction, and incidents involving intentional self-harm or criminal acts unrelated to employment.
- Immediate Reporting: Any workplace injury must be reported to the direct supervisor within 2 hours of occurrence (or as soon as the worker is physically able). The supervisor must notify the Health & Safety department within 4 hours. Failure to report within 24 hours may result in a WorkSafeBC penalty for late reporting under Section 149 of the Workers Compensation Act.
- Evidence Preservation: The incident scene must be secured immediately after first aid is administered. No equipment, tools, or materials may be moved or altered until photographed and documented by the investigating supervisor or H&S designate. This is a statutory requirement for serious injury or fatality under OHS Regulation Part 3.
- Form 7 (Employer's Report) Filing: The H&S department must complete and submit WorkSafeBC's Form 7 — Employer's Report of Injury or Occupational Disease within 3 business days of the incident. For serious injuries, the form must be submitted within 24 hours. A copy must be retained in the confidential claims file for a minimum of 5 years.
- Return-to-Work (RTW) Offer: For any injury causing time loss beyond the day of injury, the employer must offer suitable modified work within 5 business days of the worker's disability date. The offer must be documented on WorkSafeBC's Form 11 — Offer of Modified Work. Failure to offer can result in penalty assessments under the Early Safe Return to Work policy.
- Root-Cause Investigation: Every lost-time claim and serious injury must undergo a documented root-cause analysis using a recognized method (e.g., 5-Why, fishbone, or tapRooT). The investigation report must be completed within 14 calendar days and shared with the joint health and safety committee.
- Worker: Report all injuries to supervisor within 2 hours; cooperate with investigation; participate in RTW planning; maintain confidentiality of claim details.
- Supervisor / Foreperson: Secure scene; arrange first aid; complete initial incident report (Form 4); notify H&S within 4 hours; preserve evidence; support worker's RTW transition.
- Health & Safety Department: File Form 7; coordinate investigation; maintain claims register; liaise with WorkSafeBC officer; track RTW offers; lead root-cause analysis; manage annual program review.
- Joint Health & Safety Committee (JHSC): Review investigation findings; monitor claim trends; recommend preventive measures; audit compliance with this policy.
- Senior Management: Allocate resources for RTW accommodations; approve corrective actions; review quarterly claims metrics; ensure policy enforcement across all departments.