Workers Compensation And The Homeowner

Help Around the Home and the WCB
 
Did you know that you are likely uninsured in the event of injuries to persons employed in an around your home?  The Worker's Compensation Act requires that you register and pay assessments on payroll for many types of domestic services.   For example, if you employ a domestic helper for more than eight hours per week or a person to perform renovation services, WCB coverage is mandatory. 
 
The consequences of not registering could be horrific.  Here is an example:   Your nanny is walking your children to school on a cold winter morning.  She slips on a patch of ice and falls awkwardly breaking her back.  She is rendered a paraplegic.  She would be entitled to file a claim with WCB.  The claim would likely be accepted.  If you have not registered and paid assessments on your nanny's wages the Board is legally entitled to recover the the entire cost of the claim from you.  The cost of the claim could be huge including items such as: wage loss; a substantial disability pension, medical care, home support, and rehabilitation expenses.
 
We recommend that you consider your obligations to obtain coverage with respect to any person who provides anything other than casual and sporadic services to you. 
 
For more information on whether registration is mandatory and to obtain forms to register you go can go to this site http://www.worksafebc.com/insurance/need_coverage/default.asp http://www.worksafebc.com/insurance/need_coverage/default.asp</A.  The rate payable depends on the risk associated with the work.  It can be less than 1% for domestic help. You can also register online.
 
For assistance on WCB issues, contact Pushor Mitchell partner, Alf Kempf at: kempf@pushormitchell.com or (250) 869-1215