BC Government Fined $700K by WorkSafeBC: No One Is Exempt

What Happened

October 2023. WorkSafeBC issued a $710,488.79 penalty to the Province of British Columbia. At the time, it was the largest fine WorkSafeBC had ever issued - the maximum allowable amount.

The violation: unsafe wildfire mitigation practices at a site in northeastern BC.

Why This Matters

The government writes the rules. The government funds the regulator. And the regulator still hit them with the maximum penalty.

If you thought being a government entity, a large employer, or having good political connections would protect you from enforcement, this case says otherwise.

The BC Enforcement Reality

In 2024, WorkSafeBC issued 361 administrative penalties totalling $7.6 million. The maximum penalty for 2024 is $783,068.26.

Penalties are calculated based on:

• Nature of the violation: High-risk or intentional violations get higher penalties
• Violation history: Prior penalties in the past three years increase the amount
• Payroll size: Larger companies pay larger fines

The Province of BC, being one of the largest employers in the province, was exposed to the maximum.

Forestry Remains a Focus

WorkSafeBC has maintained forestry as a priority sector for planned inspections. The industry consistently ranks among the most dangerous in the province, with high rates of fall-related and struck-by incidents.

Current enforcement focus areas include:

• Falling and bucking operations
• Log transportation
• Wildfire interface work
• Manual tree falling near power lines

If you're operating in BC forestry - including wildfire mitigation, fuel management, or timber harvesting - expect scrutiny.

The Lesson

Size and status don't protect you. Government employers, crown corporations, large contractors, small operators - WorkSafeBC applies the same standards.

The maximum penalty exists because some violations are serious enough to warrant it. The Province learned that firsthand.

For BC Employers

Questions to consider:

• If WorkSafeBC showed up tomorrow, what would they find?
• Do you have any repeat violations from the past three years that would trigger enhanced penalties?
• Are your supervisors trained to recognize and stop high-risk activities?

The government couldn't claim ignorance of the rules. Neither can you. Our safety consulting services can help you build compliant programs before enforcement arrives.