Legal Resources

Find websites and materials written in plain language.

Logo with six rectangles and a circle in six bright colours to represent people, and "People's Law School."

Essentials of Work & the Law

People’s Law School

This links to the publication, which explains your rights and responsibilities as a worker. Topics include what to expect once you’re hired, and what happens if you’re fired or you leave your job. It also includes guidance on how to deal with a problem at work.

Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with the words "British Columbia" and a sun rising behind mountains.

Employability Assessments

Government of British Columbia

With Employability Assessments, WorkSafeBC evaluates a worker’s ability to work post-injury, with an estimate of what they can earn in a suitable occupation. Learn what to do if you disagree with the finding.

Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with the words "British Columbia" and a sun rising behind mountains.

Do Employment Standards Apply to You?

Government of British Columbia

Not every work issue or type of work falls under BC employment standards. Workplace safety, human rights, small claims, work permits, and pay transparency may require different resources or agencies. Some workplaces, like those that are unionized, have their own standards. Learn what to do if the standards don’t apply to your issue.

Last reviewed March 2024
Logo is "WORK" in white text in a black rectangle. To the right are "SAFE" in black text and "BC" in white text in an orange rectangle.

Communicable Disease Prevention

WorkSafeBC

A web page with information about communicable disease, how to prevent it in your workplace, and how to respond to periods of elevated risk.

Last reviewed March 2024
Thumbnail of the first page of the guide with two columns of text and the WorkSafeBC logo.

Claims Review and Appeal Guide for Workers and Dependants

WorkSafeBC

This brochure provides basic information about the workers’ compensation appeal structure: the Review Division and the Workers’ Compensation Appeal Tribunal. It also explains where to get advice and how to access your claim file.

Last reviewed March 2024
Thumbnail of the cover, with the title, photos of people with moving boxes, and adults smiling with children, and the Government of BC logo.

British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services

WelcomeBC (Government of BC)

Moving to a new country can be challenging. You probably have a number of questions that need to be answered right away. This guide has information on getting a job, finding a place to live, health services, banking, getting a driver’s licence, the legal system, and much more.

Last reviewed March 2024
Thumbnail of the first page of the fact sheet, with the first section and the Government of BC logo.

Activity-Related Soft Tissue Disorders

Workers’ Advisers Office (Government of BC)

An overview of activity-related soft tissue disorders, also known as repetitive strain injuries. This is when repetitive movements or vibrations injure muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Workers can receive compensation if work-related factors contribute to the condition.

Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with the words "British Columbia" and a sun rising behind mountains.

Prohibited Actions Relating to Occupational Health & Safety

Government of British Columbia

Explains that your employer or union cannot retaliate against you if you raise an occupational health and safety issue, refuse unsafe work, and more. It gives examples of some prohibited (retaliatory) actions. It also explains what you should do if you have a complaint, and the options for resolving your complaint.

Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with the words "British Columbia" and a sun rising behind mountains.

Occupational Health & Safety

Government of British Columbia

Explains the rights and responsibilities that workers have to protect their health and safety in the workplace, and that employers have the responsibility to ensure a safe workplace and to fix any unsafe conditions within a reasonable amount of time. WorkSafeBC can get involved if workers and employers can’t agree on health and safety concerns.

Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with six rectangles and a circle in six bright colours to represent people, and "People's Law School."

Migrant Workers

People’s Law School

This page contains links to what you need to know if you’re preparing to work in BC, including the rights of caregivers and farm workers coming to BC. It explains the steps you need to take to work in BC temporarily, and to extend your work permit. It also includes the steps caregivers can take if they have a problem at work.

Last reviewed March 2024