We recently explored WorkSafeBC’s discussion paper regarding its intention to amend Schedule 1 of the Workers Compensation Act, in order to add a new presumption for infections caused by communicable viral pathogens, including COVID-19.
On July 23, 2020, WorkSafeBC announced that its Board of Directors has now approved these proposed amendments to Schedule 1 of the Act, as well as corresponding amendments to WorkSafeBC’s Rehabilitation Services & Claims Manual, Volume II, at Item C4-28.00 and Appendix 2. WorkSafeBC’s announcement and the Board of Directors’ complete Resolution can be found here.
The effective date of these amendments will be October 26, 2020, and potentially sooner if Bill 23 is passed prior to that date. As noted in our previous article last week, Bill 23 would do away with the typical 90-day waiting period set out in the Act for a WorkSafeBC regulation to take effect in this regard.
For further information regarding this article, please contact Alan Winter or Brad Cocke.
