Explore requirements and resources to support a healthy, safe work environment
As a physician, there are important workplace requirements you and your team should be aware of to keep things running smoothly and safely. This page provides a wide range of resources, from information about WorkSafeBC registration and access to resources regarding ICBC fees to details of SWITCH BC’s Community Physician Health and Safety Program.
Doctors of BC is here to support you and your staff in ensuring your workplaces are healthy, safe, and meet all requirements.
Community Physician Health and Safety
The Community Physician Health and Safety (CPHS) Program is a province-wide initiative funded by the Physician Master Agreement, through the Memorandum of Agreement on Physician Health and Safety (the PHS Agreement). It is led and supported by the Safety, Wellbeing, Innovation, Training and Collaboration in Healthcare organization, SWITCH BC.
CPHS aims to support and enhance health and safety for physicians and support staff working in communities. It offers tools and resources to:
- Improve aspects of workplace safety such as psychological and physical health, violence prevention, injury prevention, and more.
- Empower physicians and clinic staff to develop a custom health and safety program and help prevent work-related illnesses and injuries.
Visit the SWITCH BC CPHS website
Phone +1 844 743-2747 to access free, confidential advice from an occupational health and safety professional.
CPHS Services
All services are voluntary, free, and confidential to ensure easy access and support for your clinic:
Health and safety web portal
Your one-stop resource for creating a customized health and safety program:
- Accessible checklists, comprehensive templates, learning resources, and progress tracking to create and maintain safer practices on your own timeline.
- Topics covering health and safety meetings, violence prevention, bullying and harassment, emergency preparedness, ergonomics, new and young worker training, and more.
Clinic assessments
Book a free assessment with our health and safety advisors:
- On-site evaluation at your clinic (< 2 hours) to identify health and safety recommendations, ensuring you are meeting regulatory and legislative requirements.
- Areas of focus include incident response, managing risks, non-medical emergency preparedness, worker training, preventing violence, and more.
De-escalation tools for medical office staff
Support for managing challenging patient interactions:
- Printable guides, tip sheets, posters, and a patient code of conduct template.
- This initiative caters to specialist and family physicians in community practice settings, such as private offices and medical clinics in BC.
Provincial Violence Prevention Program Curriculum
The accredited Provincial Violence Prevention (PVPC) for Physicians eLearning course was updated in fall 2025 based on physician feedback. Co-developed by Doctors of BC, the Ministry and SWITCH BC, it features relevant health care scenarios and incorporates principles of trauma-informed care, cultural safety and humility, and equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Physicians can access content on the platform, along with policies and additional supports for violence prevention and response efforts.
WorkSafeBC
WorkSafeBC coverage protects you and your staff with financial security for workplace injuries, covering medical expenses, rehabilitation, and lost wages while promoting a safer work environment.
Registration
Physicians practising in BC may be required to register with WorkSafeBC to provide timely care for work-related injuries and meet provincial regulations.
Find out whether you need to register with WorkSafeBC:
Reporting an incident
It is important to report any occupational health and safety concerns or an incident directly to WorkSafeBC to ensure a safe and healthy work environment.
Access the workplace safety document template.
Agreements and WorkSafeBC Liaison Committee
Doctors of BC negotiates two formal agreements with WorkSafeBC—the Physician Services Agreement and the Salaried Physicians’ Agreement. Learn more about the WorkSafeBC agreements.
WorkSafeBC and Doctors of BC also participate in the WorkSafeBC Liaison Committee to address areas of mutual such as physician education, policy consultation, and dispute resolution.
Articles and billing resources
The BC Medical Journal publishes articles for physicians to stay informed with the latest safety regulations, health guidelines, and best practices in workplace safety. Read WorkSafeBC articles.
For WorkSafeBC billing guides and information, see Fee Guide Resources.
ICBC
As a physician treating patients with injuries from motor vehicle accidents, you can access essential ICBC resources to manage claims efficiently and support patient recovery.
Contact
For general ICBC claim queries, contact the Health Care Inquiry Unit:
- Phone: +1 604 587-7150 (Lower Mainland), +1 888-717-7150 (Toll-free)
- Email: HealthCareInquiry@icbc.com
ICBC claims and Enhanced Care Coverage
ICBC information for treating car crash-related injuries
Access essential information for treating patients injured in car accidents, covering fees, invoicing, report templates, treatment guidelines, patient consent, and vendor numbers. Visit ICBC information for doctors.
Fees
Fo fees applicable for patient appointments where an evaluation is conducted and a medical report is prepared, see the Insurance Corporation of BC section of the Fee Guide.
Specialized Physician Services and Enhanced Care Coverage
Learn more about Specialized Physician Services report information and how Enhanced Care coverage supports your patients’ recovery from the Specialized Physician Services Report information video series.
Obtaining patient consent
It is important to only share reports or information with ICBC when patient consent has been granted. Access the ICBC Consent to Sharing Information form.
ICBC Liaison Working Group
The ICBC Liaison Working Group is a joint committee that aims to address physician concerns related to patient treatment in motor vehicle accidents and develop long-term strategies for improving patient management.