Policy Purpose

The Workers Compensation Act (the Act) gives the Workers Compensation Board (WCB) authority to sell optional coverage to employers whose businesses operate in non-mandatory industries to ensure that their workers are covered in the event of a workplace accident.

The Act also allows the WCB to sell optional coverage to employers (including sole proprietors or partners in a partnership), directors and independent contractors to ensure that they themselves are covered in the event of a workplace accident.  Once they have purchased optional coverage for themselves, personally, these employers, directors and independent contractors fall within the Act's definition of worker.

This policy sets out the general principles and terms and conditions the WCB will apply when selling optional coverage.