WorkSafeBC workers compensation registration: who has to register

A new BC corporation can miss WorkSafeBC registration without hearing about it — until someone gets hurt. Here is how the requirement works.

Who has to carry workers compensation coverage

All employers must have WorkSafeBC coverage unless exempt. WorkSafeBC defines an employer broadly: anyone who hires workers or unregistered subcontractors, whether a proprietor, partnership, corporation, society or other legal entity.

That second phrase catches people. Paying an unregistered subcontractor can make you the employer for coverage purposes, which is why clearance letters exist and hiring firms ask for them before paying.

Owners of incorporated companies

This is where most incorporated owners go wrong. Owners must apply for coverage so WorkSafeBC can decide whether the corporation must register. Generally, shareholders, directors, officers and principals actively involved in the company are workers, and the corporation must register to cover them.

Sole proprietors and partners

A self-employed proprietor or partner who hires no workers or unregistered subcontractors need not register. You may still buy Personal Coverage, which covers lost salary and medical expenses if you are injured on the job.

That is a real decision: without it, an injury that stops your work stops your income. See incorporating versus staying a sole proprietor in BC.

Applying

WorkSafeBC recommends applying 30 days before starting the business or hiring, and review takes about 10 business days. Build that into your start-up timeline.

A corporate application asks for the CRA business number, mailing and work addresses, start date, products or services with their share of revenue, active shareholders with contact details and birthdates, and estimated payroll for workers and active shareholders.

Classification units and rates

Each registered firm gets a classification unit from its main business; firms in the same industry share it and its base premium rate. It follows what the business does, not its incorporation documents, so a business whose work shifts should expect a review.

A business in several industries may have a more complex classification; WorkSafeBC publishes a search tool by sector. Construction firms should also read our construction accounting in BC page.

Reporting payroll and paying premiums

How often you report depends on the size of your payroll and your classification unit.

• Annual reporting generally applies where premiums are expected to be less than $2,000 per year. You receive an email notification in January to report the previous year’s payroll, and the Annual Payroll Report and Payment falls due on one of the following dates: March 3, 5, 7, 9 or 11.
• Quarterly reporting generally applies where premiums are expected to be $2,000 or more for the year, or where the classification unit has mandatory quarterly reporting. Quarterly due dates are April 20, July 20, October 20 and January 20, and the annual reconciliation of the previous year’s payroll is due February 28.

Reportable payroll includes workers and active shareholders, so reconcile it to your T4 totals together; see the payroll year-end checklist.

Consequences of not registering

Not registering when required is illegal and, says WorkSafeBC, a considerable financial risk: if an uncovered worker, including a shareholder, is injured or contracts an occupational disease, you could owe the claim costs and your unpaid premiums.

When you run payroll through your own corporation, these rules apply to you. For the version that fits your company, send the question and a CPA answers it, usually the same business day.

WorkSafeBC registration usually arrives at the same moment as payroll itself — the employer obligations that come with staff covers what else starts then.

Related to this is worker classification generally. Treating someone as a subcontractor who is really an employee creates exposure at WorkSafeBC and at the CRA at the same time; see subcontractor versus employee.

The bottom line

If your BC corporation has anyone doing physical work, including you — apply and let WorkSafeBC decide. Applying costs you a form. Not applying can cost you a rejected claim and a bill for back premiums.

This article is general information, current as of July 2026. It is not tax, legal or accounting advice and creates no client relationship. Rules change and situations differ, so speak with a CPA before acting on it.