WorkSafeBC has been asked to play a key role in administering the B.C. government’s COVID-19 Sick-Leave Reimbursement Program. Eligible employers will need to be registered for workplace health and safety insurance through WorkSafeBC and also be signed up for online services in order to apply for the reimbursement starting June 15.
WorkSafeBC is asking for your help in reaching out to construction industry employers and other industry stakeholders.
To raise awareness of these requirements, WorkSafeBC is launching an engagement strategy to reach employers who aren’t yet registered for workplace insurance, and to those who are registered but haven’t signed up for online services.
As part of this engagement, WorkSafeBC has prepared the following:
- Messaging on worksafebc.com
- Recorded announcement on our Employer Service Centre line
- Mailed news update
- Targeted emails to small businesses without online accounts, including those currently on Fast File and Pay
- Outreach on various social and digital channels to create awareness, including targeted digital ads
The following are some high-level messages that can be used to explain WorkSafeBC’s role in the plan if you receive any inquiries:
- In order to apply for the B.C. government’s COVID-19 Sick-Leave Reimbursement Program, employers must:
- Be registered for WorkSafeBC insurance coverage
- Have signed up for WorkSafeBC’s online services
- Not have an existing paid sick-leave program
- The reimbursement application will be available on WorkSafeBC’s employer online-services portal.
- In addition to hosting this application, WorkSafeBC’s online-services portal offers employers an easy and convenient way to report payroll, pay premiums, and access additional tools.
- Employers currently using Fast File & Pay will still need to create an online account.
- Employers can apply for the B.C. government’s COVID-19 Sick-Leave Reimbursement Program on WorkSafeBC’s online-services portal as of June 15.
You may also wish to refer to the following information:
- The B.C. government’s website on COVID-19 sick leave program
- WorkSafeBC insurance coverage registration page
- WorkSafeBC’s online-services sign-up page
To help you reach out to raise awareness about this initiative, WorkSafeBC has drafted an email (attached) that you can send to your membership or other stakeholders.