Discussion Paper – Should WorksafeBC Presume COVID-19 is Occupational Disease?

Release May 1, 2020

Adding diseases caused by communicable viral pathogens, including COVID-19, to Schedule 1 of the Workers Compensation Act

The Policy, Regulation and Research Division is releasing a discussion paper on adding diseases caused by communicable viral pathogens, including COVID-19, to Schedule 1 with options and draft amendments to stakeholders for comment.

If a disease is identified in Schedule 1 and the worker was employed in the corresponding process or industry listed in the Schedule, then WorkSafeBC presumes the cause of the disease is work-related, unless the contrary is proved.

The discussion paper, draft amendments, and information on how to provide feedback can be accessed through the following link:
Adding diseases caused by communicable viral pathogens, including COVID-19, to Schedule 1 of the Workers Compensation Act

The consultation period for this item will end at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, June 12, 2020 (consultation has been expedited and will end on June 12th, in order for the Board of Directors to consider the proposed amendments at its July meeting).

The Board of Directors will consider stakeholder feedback before making a decision on the draft amendments.

Policy, Regulation and Research Division
WorkSafeBC