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WorkSafeBC

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Classification

The purpose of a classification system is to group employers in a way that facilitates fair and equitable assessment rates. Classification and rate setting work in tandem. By grouping employers in similar industries with similar levels of risk, we are able to set fair rates and charge your industry the appropriate insurance rate.

View the Introduction to WorkSafeBC Classification, Rate Setting, and Experience Rating (SWF 456kb)
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Use the following search engines to:

Browse the classification structure by industry sector.

Search for a classification unit number or classification unit name.

How we classify employers:

We classify each business according to its industry

Classifications are assigned based on an employer's industrial activities, not the occupations within a business. Industrial activities are organized into a structure consisting of three levels: sectors, subsectors, and classification units. If your primary business activity is providing veterinary services, for example, you would be assigned to the Veterinary Hospital or Veterinary Services classification unit, which falls within the Professional, Scientific and Technical Services Subsector, in the Service Sector. The classification structure comprises seven sectors, 24 subsectors, and approximately 600 classification units.

Your classification unit (CU) is identified by a six-digit classification unit code. Typically, each firm is assigned to the one CU that best describes its primary business activity. If a firm is engaged in two or more separate and distinct activities, it may be assigned to two or more CUs. For more details, see the multiple classification policy (Policy Number 1-37-2) in the Assessment Manual.

For more information, see the classification and rate making discussion paper (PDF 89kb).

For policy related to classification, see policies 1-37-1 to 1-37-4 of the Assessment Manual.

View frequently asked questions.

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