WorkSafeBC revises interest payment policy

Under new policy, interest is payable from the date the employer overpaid its assessment

British Columbia's workers’ compensation board has revised its policy on interest payments on amounts it refunds to employers for overpayments.

Under the amended policy, interest is payable from the date the employer overpaid its assessment to WorkSafeBC. Previously, interest was payable to the employer from the date the employer requested a review or filed notice of an appeal.

The board’s policy on assessment payments (AP1-39-2), states that the board may pay interest on overpaid assessments in the following situations:

•The overpayment was the result of a “blatant board error.” The board describes a blatant error as a “glaring error that no reasonable person should make.”

•The employer prepays an administrative penalty or a penalty assessment pending a review or appeal and is successful in the review or appeal.

•The board returns an amount, other than a prepayment mentioned in the previous bullet, to the employer as a result of a successful review or appeal of issues such as assessments, classification, compensation or rehabilitation.

The decision is retroactive to Sept. 22, 2010.

Latest stories