A-2.1 Define Terms Used in the Workers Compensation Act
The Workers Compensation Act (WCA) is the foundation of workplace health and safety in British Columbia. It outlines the responsibilities of employers, workers, and WorkSafeBC to prevent injuries and provide compensation when accidents occur. Understanding the key terms and structure of the Act helps workers know their rights, recognize their duties, and understand how health and safety laws are applied on the job site.
The Workers Compensation Act (WCA) is divided into eight parts. These parts explain who the law applies to, how workplace safety is managed, and how injured workers are supported in British Columbia.
- Part 1 – Scope of Act: Explains who the Act applies to, including workers, employers, and workplaces.
- Part 2 – Occupational Health and Safety: Sets the rules for keeping workplaces safe and explains the duties of employers, supervisors, and workers.
- Part 3 – Workers’ Compensation System: Describes how the workers’ compensation system works and how claims are handled.
- Part 4 – Compensation to Injured Workers and Their Dependants: Explains the benefits and support available to workers who are injured at work and to their families.
- Part 5 – Accident Fund and Employer Assessment: Explains how the system is paid for and how employers contribute to the fund.
- Part 6 – Review of Board Decisions: Explains how some WorkSafeBC decisions can be reviewed.
- Part 7 – Appeals to Appeal Tribunal: Explains how decisions can be appealed to an independent appeal tribunal.
- Part 8 – Workers’ Compensation Board and General Matters: Describes WorkSafeBC’s role, powers, and general responsibilities.
Definitions in the Act
At the start of the WCA, there is a section dedicated to definitions; this ensures that the reader has a reference to the context of specific terms used within the document. If a word is not defined in this section, then the regular dictionary definition applies.
Go to the WorkSafeBC website and use the search tool to find the full electronic version of the WCA.
Review the definitions of the following words in the Act:
- accident
- board
- compensation
- construction
- dependant
- employer
- employment
- industry
- member of family
- person
- reconsider
- regulation
- retirement benefit
- worker
Self-Test A-2.1: Define Terms Used in the Workers Compensation Act
Complete Self-Test A-2.1 and check your answers.
If you are using a printed copy, please find Self-Test A-2.1 and Answer Key at the end of this section. If you prefer, you can scan the QR code with your digital device to go directly to the interactive Self-Test.
References
BC Industry Training Authority. (2019). Piping trades apprenticeship program: Perform safety related functions—Level 1 harmonized [Binder]. Crown Publications, Queen’s Printer for British Columbia. https://www.crownpub.bc.ca/Product/Details/7960000260_S
Camosun College. (2015). Line A: Safe Work Practices — Competency A-2: Describe WorkSafeBC regulations (BCcampus). https://collection.bccampus.ca/textbook/4x48JUbq/
Camosun College. (2015). Trades Access Common Core Competency A-2: Describe WorkSafeBC regulations. Victoria, B.C.: Crown Publications. Download for free from the B.C. Open Textbook Collection (https://open.bccampus.ca/browse-ourcollection/find-open-textbooks/).
