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WorkSafeBC

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FAQs


WorkSafeBC Investigations | Employer Investigations |
Reporting Incidents to WorkSafeBC | Penalties


Employer Investigations

Which incidents does the employer need to investigate?

Section 173 of the Workers Compensation Act requires that an employer immediately investigate the cause of certain incidents. These include all incidents that the employer is required to report to WorkSafeBC; however, the employer does not need to investigate motor vehicle accidents on a public roadway. See Reporting Incidents to WorkSafeBC for more information.

The employer must also investigate any incidents that resulted in injury to a worker requiring medical treatment or that had the potential for causing serious injury to a worker. In addition, the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation sets out other incidents that must be investigated.

What is the purpose of an investigation?

The purpose of an investigation is to determine the cause or causes of the incident, to identify any unsafe conditions, acts, or procedures that contributed to the incident, and to recommend corrective action to prevent similar incidents.

Who should conduct an incident investigation?

The investigation must be carried out by persons who are knowledgeable about the type of work involved. An employer and a worker representative must participate if they are reasonably available.

What needs to be in an investigation report?

Section 3.4 of the OHS Regulation sets out what the report must contain:

  • The place, date and time of the incident
  • The names and job titles of persons injured in the incident
  • The names of witnesses
  • A brief description of the incident
  • A statement of the sequence of events that led up to the incident
  • Identification of any unsafe conditions, acts, or procedures that contributed to the incident
  • Recommended corrective actions to prevent similar incidents
  • The names of persons who investigated the accident

Are there any resources to help employers do an investigation?

WorkSafeBC has an incident investigation form to help employers investigate an incident. Download Incident Investigation Report, Form 52E40 (PDF 113 KB). This form includes 2 pages to help employers complete their investigation report. The fishing industry uses Fishing Incident Investigation Report, Form 52E40F (PDF 315 KB).

For additional resources, see Employer resources for conducting an investigation.

Who receives copies of the report?

Incident investigation reports required by the Workers Compensation Act must be provided to the joint health and safety committee or worker representative as applicable, and to WorkSafeBC.

How do I submit an investigation report?

  • Submit online as part of your injury report [report an incident or injury]
  • Mail to WorkSafeBC, PO Box 5350 Stn Terminal, Vancouver, BC V6B 5L5
  • Fax to WorkSafeBC at 604 276-3247 or toll-free at 1 866 240-1434

What must the employer do after completing an investigation?

Following an investigation, the employer must, without undue delay, undertake any corrective action required to prevent similar incidents from occurring. The employer must prepare a report of the action taken and provide a copy to the joint health and safety committee (or worker representative) or post it at the workplace.

Can WorkSafeBC take any action if the employer doesn't investigate the incident?

Failure to carry out an incident investigation could result in an order (and possibly an administrative penalty) being issued against the employer, or a prosecution. See FAQs on penalties for more information about administrative penalties and prosecution.



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