2026 WorkSafeBC Premium Rate Changes for Manufacturing
The injury rate across B.C. is at a record low, but risk levels vary across industries and individual company performance. In their July rate change meetings, WorkSafeBC announced that overall, the average base rate is not changing this year, and increases to rate group rates are temporarily capped at 10%.
For many companies, this will be good news. WorkSafeBC notes that these results are possible and based on outstanding investment returns. They also note that rate freezes create âbubblesâ and the need for future âmake wholeâ increases.
The cap on rate increases to 10% is for the base rate only. Within a rate group, some individual industry CUs are experiencing increases of more than 10%, and experience rates for many companies also increase rates through surcharges. WorkSafeBC notes that companies with poor experience ratings have a limited window to get them under control or risk accelerated payments in future years.
Breaking down the impact for Alliance members
While the majority of Alliance members will see a base rate decrease in 2026, for 48% of the industries that make up the Alliance membership, the base rate will increase.
Employersâ actual costs will range much more widelyâwith the safest companies receiving up to a 69% discount while companies with poor experience ratings face premium surcharges up to 163%.
- Not sure what the impact is for your business? Find your base rate here.
- To understand your experience rating and actual premium costs, this on-demand webinar explains how to use your WorkSafeBC employer report card and portal to understand and manage your experience rating and premium costs:Â
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