Worker benefits

When a worker’s claim is accepted, he or she will begin receiving benefits from WorkSafeBC.

WorkSafeBC benefits begin immediately. Note that:

• The employer is responsible for a worker’s wages on the day of injury.
• Wage-loss benefits from WorkSafeBC start the first scheduled shift lost after the day of a work-related injury or disease.
• Health-care costs are covered on the day of injury.

A worker receives wage-loss benefits until the case manager concludes the worker is able to return to work or has recovered from the injury. If an employer can provide light or modified duties, and it’s safe for the worker to do them, he or she can return to work to conduct those duties.

WorkSafeBC benefits can be suspended if:

• The worker does not attend or does not co-operate in a medical examination or program arranged by WorkSafeBC.
• The worker participates in any activity that might delay recovery.
• The worker refuses treatment recommended by WorkSafeBC.
• The claim is fraudulent.

Compensation benefits, also known as wage-loss benefits, are based on 90% of a worker’s average net earnings. Therefore, WorkSafeBC must determine both the average earnings of a worker as well as the worker’s net earnings. Also, there are rules for short-term average net earnings (compensation up to 10 weeks) and special rules for long-term average net earnings (when the worker is disabled beyond 10 weeks).