Getting started

This calculator uses sample incident and injury scenarios to show why a safe workplace is good business.

  • Select a scenario from the top of your screen or choose Custom to enter your own values.
  • Use the numbered bar at the bottom of the screen to move through the different cost categories.

Sawmills incident

Worker loses left hand in planer

A worker in a remanufacturing mill amputated his left hand in a planer while trying to make adjustments using a wrench.

Costs are based on one employer and a ten-worker shift.

Estimated wage rates:
  • Workers = $16/hr
  • Employer = $25/hr

Landscaping incident

Worker cuts left calf with chainsaw

A worker cut the inside calf of his left leg with a chainsaw while pruning a tree at a residential property.

Costs are based on one employer and a four-worker crew.

Estimated wage rates:
  • Workers = $20/hr
  • Employer = $60/hr (billing rate)

Construction incident

Worker injured after falling 3 m (10 ft.)

A residential construction worker broke his ankle and forearm after falling 3 m (10 ft.) off an unguarded scaffold onto the main floor of a construction site.

Costs are based on one employer and a five-worker crew.

Estimated wage rates:
  • Workers = $20/hr
  • Employer = $30/hr

Hospitality incident

Housekeeper sprains back

A motel housekeeper sprained her back while turning a mattress.

Costs are based on one employer and a five-worker crew.

Estimated wage rates:
  • Workers = $12/hr
  • Employer = $20/hr

Retail incident

Cashier traumatized by armed robber

A cashier at a grocery market was confronted by an armed robber. The robber made threats, but left without physically injuring any of the staff. The cashier experienced post-traumatic stress after the incident.

Costs are based on one employer and a ten-worker shift.

Estimated wage rates:
  • Workers = $10/hr
  • Employer = $25/hr

Trucking incident

Truck driver dies in rollover accident

A dump truck carrying a full load of gravel was going around a curve when one of its front tires blew out. The truck crossed the median and overturned. The driver received crushing head and chest injuries and later died.

Costs are based on an operation with one owner and one contract driver.

Estimated wage rates:
  • Workers = $25/hr
  • Employer = $75/hr (billing rate)

Important

The Tourism & Hospitality Safety Calculator does not include the costs associated with increased WorkSafeBC premiums resulting from workplace injuries. And most importantly, it does not attempt to quantify the pain and suffering experienced by injured workers and their families, friends, and co-workers.

Terms of use

While we strive for accuracy and endeavour to include the most current information in this program, we can make no guarantee of accuracy or completeness.

We make no representation regarding the suitability of the information contained in this program for any purpose, and we make no warranty of any type respecting that information. WCB hereby disclaims all warranties including all warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and warranties of non-infringement.

In no event shall WCB be liable for any damages of any type suffered by any user of this program resulting from any cause whatsoever whether arising in contract, tort, or otherwise.

Copyright

©2016 Workers' Compensation Board of British Columbia. All rights reserved. The Workers' Compensation Board of B.C. encourages the copying, reproduction, and distribution of this product to promote health and safety in the workplace, provided that the Workers' Compensation Board of B.C. is acknowledged. However, no part of this product may be copied, reproduced, or distributed for profit or other commercial enterprises or may be incorporated into any other publications or product without written permission of the Workers' Compensation Board of B.C.

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