Effective January 1, 2024, WorkSafeBC's new guidance regarding return-to-work requirements will come into force. As a result, two new duties for workers and employers were created as follows:
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The duty to cooperate will apply to all workers and employers. It will create obligations for workers and employers to collaborate and WorkSafeBC to achieve a timely and safe return-to-work outcome.
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The duty to maintain an injured worker's employment will apply to employers that regularly employ 20 or more workers and in instances where the employer has employed the worker for a continuous period of at least 12 months prior to the injury. The duty will require the employer to maintain the worker’s employment consistent with the worker’s fitness to work.
WorkSafeBC has published guidance on these duties for employers to comply with.