The Worker's Compensation Act (WCA) may deem students participating in the practicum component of an eligible program or an approved apprenticeships as 'Workers of the Crown in right of the Province'. Eligible students would receive WorkSafeBC coverage through the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills (PSFS).
The following document provided by the PSFS outlines eligibility criteria for unpaid practicum students to receive WorkSafeBC Coverage: Revised WSBC Policy and Procedures 2024
Reporting Requirements and Responsibilities
Student Responsibilities
- Report all work-related injuries associated with your practicum to your KPU Instructor immediately.
- Complete a WCB Form 6 - Application for Compensation and Report of Injury or Occupational Disease and submit it directly to WorkSafeBC as soon as possible.
Instructor Responsibilities
- Ensure injured students receives appropriate first aid/ medical aid is received, if required.
- Take appropriate corrective action to prevent a recurrence.
- E-mail a completed Report of Injury to the Dean's Office and the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) department at OHS@kpu.ca immediately upon becoming aware that a student has suffered a work-related injury during the course of their practicum.
OHS Responsibilities
- Submit a completed WorkSafeBC form 7 to the PSFS. The PSFS in turn determines eligibility. If the PSFS determines that the student is considered a worker of the Crown, the PSFS will authorize the claim, countersign the Form 7 and submit it to WorkSafeBC.
Ministry Contact
PSFS can be contacted via email (recommended) Post-secondary.Worksafe@gov.bc.ca or by phone (778)-698-9776.
Resources
PSFS Policy Guidance Document
WCA Unpaid Practicum Students Coverage