Introduction to Workers' Compensation (7:I) - Revision history

Nate Russell: 2026 update

2026-09-25T22:30:11Z

2026 update

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:30, 25 September 2026
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	{{REVIEWED LSLAP \| date= 18 July ~~2025~~}}		{{REVIEWED LSLAP \| date= 7 July 2026}}
	{{LSLAP Manual TOC\|expanded = workers}}		{{LSLAP Manual TOC\|expanded = workers}}

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	The ''WCA'' is a provincial statute creating a regulatory body called the Workers Compensation Board (''WCA'', s. 318 [Former Act, s. 81]) and is referred to as “the Board” or “WCB” in this section. Since 2003, the Workers Compensation Board does business under the name of “WorkSafeBC.” However, legally, it is still the “Workers Compensation Board,” and when party to a legal action, that is how it will be named. The Board has exclusive jurisdiction over compensation to injured workers for workplace injuries, amongst other duties.		The ''WCA'' is a provincial statute creating a regulatory body called the Workers Compensation Board (''WCA'', s. 318 [Former Act, s. 81]) and is referred to as “the Board” or “WCB” in this section. Since 2003, the Workers Compensation Board does business under the name of “WorkSafeBC.” However, legally, it is still the “Workers Compensation Board,” and when party to a legal action, that is how it will be named. The Board has exclusive jurisdiction over compensation to injured workers for workplace injuries, amongst other duties.

	Today’s workers’ compensation schemes, including BC’s, are based on the historic trade-off: employers fund a no-fault insurance scheme for injured workers and, in return, workers give up their right to legal action against their employer for work-related injuries and occupational diseases (''WCA'', s. 127 [Former Act, s. 10(1)]). This approach offers several benefits: it takes workplace injury claims out of the courts, minimizing the use of scarce judicial resources and limiting cost and delay for the workers; It gives greater certainty of compensation to workers, and streamlines the compensation process, and~~; Like~~ any insurance scheme, it spreads losses amongst employers, eliminates the concern about ruinous claims, and provides coverage regardless of fault.		Today’s workers’ compensation schemes, including BC’s, are based on the historic trade-off: employers fund a no-fault insurance scheme for injured workers and, in return, workers give up their right to legal action against their employer for work-related injuries and occupational diseases (''WCA'', s. 127 [Former Act, s. 10(1)]). This approach offers several benefits: it takes workplace injury claims out of the courts, minimizing the use of scarce judicial resources and limiting cost and delay for the workers; It gives greater certainty of compensation to workers, and streamlines the compensation process; and like any insurance scheme, it spreads losses amongst employers, eliminates the concern about ruinous claims, and provides coverage regardless of fault.

	Aside from compensation, the Board's other duties include:		Aside from compensation, the Board's other duties include:

LSLAP at 19:04, 13 October 2025

2025-10-13T19:04:59Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:04, 13 October 2025
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	{{LSLAP Manual TOC\|expanded = workers}}		{{LSLAP Manual TOC\|expanded = workers}}

LSLAP at 19:47, 21 September 2025

2025-09-21T19:47:20Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:47, 21 September 2025
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	The ''WCA'' is a provincial statute creating a regulatory body called the Workers Compensation Board (''WCA'', s. 318 [Former Act, s. 81]) and is referred to as “the Board” or “WCB” in this section. Since 2003, the Workers Compensation Board does business under the name of “WorkSafeBC.” However, legally, it is still the “Workers Compensation Board,” and when party to a legal action, that is how it will be named. The Board has exclusive jurisdiction over compensation to injured workers for workplace injuries, amongst other duties.		The ''WCA'' is a provincial statute creating a regulatory body called the Workers Compensation Board (''WCA'', s. 318 [Former Act, s. 81]) and is referred to as “the Board” or “WCB” in this section. Since 2003, the Workers Compensation Board does business under the name of “WorkSafeBC.” However, legally, it is still the “Workers Compensation Board,” and when party to a legal action, that is how it will be named. The Board has exclusive jurisdiction over compensation to injured workers for workplace injuries, amongst other duties.

	Today’s workers’ compensation schemes, including BC’s, are based on the historic trade-off: employers fund a no-fault insurance scheme for injured workers and, in return, workers give up their right to legal action against their employer for work-related injuries and occupational diseases (WCA, s. 127 [Former Act, s. 10(1)]). This approach offers several benefits: it takes workplace injury claims out of the courts, minimizing the use of scarce judicial resources and limiting cost and delay for the workers; It gives greater certainty of compensation to workers, and streamlines the compensation process, and; Like any insurance scheme, it spreads losses amongst employers, eliminates the concern about ruinous claims, and provides coverage regardless of fault.		Today’s workers’ compensation schemes, including BC’s, are based on the historic trade-off: employers fund a no-fault insurance scheme for injured workers and, in return, workers give up their right to legal action against their employer for work-related injuries and occupational diseases (''WCA'', s. 127 [Former Act, s. 10(1)]). This approach offers several benefits: it takes workplace injury claims out of the courts, minimizing the use of scarce judicial resources and limiting cost and delay for the workers; It gives greater certainty of compensation to workers, and streamlines the compensation process, and; Like any insurance scheme, it spreads losses amongst employers, eliminates the concern about ruinous claims, and provides coverage regardless of fault.

	Aside from compensation, the Board's other duties include:		Aside from compensation, the Board's other duties include:

	*Regulation of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS): In BC, the Board is responsible for workplace health and safety regulations, investigations, and enforcement as set out in Part 2 of the WCA [Former Act, Part 3] and in the Occupational Health & Safety Regulation, BC Reg 296/97 (the “'''OHSR'''”). While most enforcement orders and penalties are against employers for safety violations, orders may also be issued against workers. Under the WCA, workers are entitled to refuse unsafe work and to be protected from retaliation for reporting unsafe work practices.		*Regulation of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS): In BC, the Board is responsible for workplace health and safety regulations, investigations, and enforcement as set out in Part 2 of the ''WCA'' [Former Act, Part 3] and in the ''Occupational Health & Safety Regulation'', BC Reg 296/97 (the “'''OHSR'''”). While most enforcement orders and penalties are against employers for safety violations, orders may also be issued against workers. Under the ''WCA'', workers are entitled to refuse unsafe work and to be protected from retaliation for reporting unsafe work practices.
	*Employer Assessments: The WCA grants specific powers to the Board to set rates and collect assessments from employers to create an Accident Fund. The Accident Fund must be sufficient to finance the compensation system, and each employer is assessed annually based on a complex formula. The WCA requires the Board to operate a fully funded system.		*Employer Assessments: The ''WCA'' grants specific powers to the Board to set rates and collect assessments from employers to create an Accident Fund. The Accident Fund must be sufficient to finance the compensation system, and each employer is assessed annually based on a complex formula. The ''WCA'' requires the Board to operate a fully funded system.

	== A. Scope of This Section ==		== A. Scope of This Section ==
	This section provides information to workers and their representatives on the overall structure and basic procedures of the Board and the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Tribunal (“'''WCAT'''”). WCAT is an independent organization that workers or employers can go to if they want to appeal a decision from the WCB. This section is intended to assist in working on cases and appeals arising from Board decisions made under the WCA. The vast majority of these cases involve Board decisions denying injured and disabled workers particular compensation benefits. This is not surprising given that Board policies are often complex, and that about 100,000 compensation claims are filed by injured workers every year, with about half of these claims involving a serious injury or disability.		This section provides information to workers and their representatives on the overall structure and basic procedures of the Board and the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Tribunal (“'''WCAT'''”). WCAT is an independent organization that workers or employers can go to if they want to appeal a decision from the WCB. This section is intended to assist in working on cases and appeals arising from Board decisions made under the ''WCA''. The vast majority of these cases involve Board decisions denying injured and disabled workers particular compensation benefits. This is not surprising given that Board policies are often complex, and that about 100,000 compensation claims are filed by injured workers every year, with about half of these claims involving a serious injury or disability.

	Therefore, the primary focus of this material is on compensation matters which may be at issue in Board cases. Assessment and Occupational Health & Safety issues are addressed briefly at the end of the chapter. The Appendices provide information for referrals, community resources, and helpful links for finding law and policy. In particular, the WCA requires the Board, through its Accident Fund, to support the Employer’s Advisers Office and the Worker’s Advisers Office, which can provide employers and workers with free legal assistance. However, the extent of the assistance provided by these advisors changes from time to time and between locations.		Therefore, the primary focus of this material is on compensation matters which may be at issue in Board cases. Assessment and Occupational Health & Safety issues are addressed briefly at the end of the chapter. The Appendices provide information for referrals, community resources, and helpful links for finding law and policy. In particular, the ''WCA'' requires the Board, through its Accident Fund, to support the Employer’s Advisers Office and the Worker’s Advisers Office, which can provide employers and workers with free legal assistance. However, the extent of the assistance provided by these advisors changes from time to time and between locations.


	{{LSLAP Manual Navbox\|type=chapters1-7}}		{{LSLAP Manual Navbox\|type=chapters1-7}}

LSLAP at 19:40, 21 September 2025

2025-09-21T19:40:08Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:40, 21 September 2025
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	This chapter covers basic legislation, policy, and procedures associated with administrative proceedings under the ''Workers’ Compensation Act'', RSBC 2019, c 1 [“''WCA''”]. The WCA replaced the former ''Workers Compensation Act'', RSBC 1996, c 492 (the “Former Act”) on April 6, 2020. While there was no substantive change encompassed in this act revision, the section numbers of the WCA have changed significantly.		This chapter covers basic legislation, policy, and procedures associated with administrative proceedings under the ''Workers’ Compensation Act'', RSBC 2019, c 1 [“''WCA''”]. The WCA replaced the former ''Workers Compensation Act'', RSBC 1996, c 492 (the “Former Act”) on April 6, 2020. While there was no substantive change encompassed in this act revision, the section numbers of the WCA have changed significantly.

	The WCA is a provincial statute creating a regulatory body called the Workers Compensation Board (WCA, s. 318 [Former Act, s. 81]) and is referred to as “the Board” or “WCB” in this section. Since 2003, the Workers Compensation Board does business under the name of “WorkSafeBC.” However, legally, it is still the “Workers Compensation Board,” and when party to a legal action, that is how it will be named. The Board has exclusive jurisdiction over compensation to injured workers for workplace injuries, amongst other duties.		The ''WCA'' is a provincial statute creating a regulatory body called the Workers Compensation Board (''WCA'', s. 318 [Former Act, s. 81]) and is referred to as “the Board” or “WCB” in this section. Since 2003, the Workers Compensation Board does business under the name of “WorkSafeBC.” However, legally, it is still the “Workers Compensation Board,” and when party to a legal action, that is how it will be named. The Board has exclusive jurisdiction over compensation to injured workers for workplace injuries, amongst other duties.

	Today’s workers’ compensation schemes, including BC’s, are based on the historic trade-off: employers fund a no-fault insurance scheme for injured workers and, in return, workers give up their right to legal action against their employer for work-related injuries and occupational diseases (WCA, s. 127 [Former Act, s. 10(1)]). This approach offers several benefits: it takes workplace injury claims out of the courts, minimizing the use of scarce judicial resources and limiting cost and delay for the workers; It gives greater certainty of compensation to workers, and streamlines the compensation process, and; Like any insurance scheme, it spreads losses amongst employers, eliminates the concern about ruinous claims, and provides coverage regardless of fault.		Today’s workers’ compensation schemes, including BC’s, are based on the historic trade-off: employers fund a no-fault insurance scheme for injured workers and, in return, workers give up their right to legal action against their employer for work-related injuries and occupational diseases (WCA, s. 127 [Former Act, s. 10(1)]). This approach offers several benefits: it takes workplace injury claims out of the courts, minimizing the use of scarce judicial resources and limiting cost and delay for the workers; It gives greater certainty of compensation to workers, and streamlines the compensation process, and; Like any insurance scheme, it spreads losses amongst employers, eliminates the concern about ruinous claims, and provides coverage regardless of fault.

LSLAP at 19:39, 21 September 2025

2025-09-21T19:39:14Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:39, 21 September 2025
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	{{LSLAP Manual TOC\|expanded = workers}}		{{LSLAP Manual TOC\|expanded = workers}}

	This chapter covers basic legislation, policy, and procedures associated with administrative proceedings under the ''Workers’ Compensation Act'', RSBC 2019, c 1 [“'''WCA'''”]. The WCA replaced the former ''Workers Compensation Act'', RSBC 1996, c 492 (the “Former Act”) on April 6, 2020. While there was no substantive change encompassed in this act revision, the section numbers of the WCA have changed significantly.		This chapter covers basic legislation, policy, and procedures associated with administrative proceedings under the ''Workers’ Compensation Act'', RSBC 2019, c 1 [“''WCA''”]. The WCA replaced the former ''Workers Compensation Act'', RSBC 1996, c 492 (the “Former Act”) on April 6, 2020. While there was no substantive change encompassed in this act revision, the section numbers of the WCA have changed significantly.

	The WCA is a provincial statute creating a regulatory body called the Workers Compensation Board (WCA, s. 318 [Former Act, s. 81]) and is referred to as “the Board” or “WCB” in this section. Since 2003, the Workers Compensation Board does business under the name of “WorkSafeBC.” However, legally, it is still the “Workers Compensation Board,” and when party to a legal action, that is how it will be named. The Board has exclusive jurisdiction over compensation to injured workers for workplace injuries, amongst other duties.		The WCA is a provincial statute creating a regulatory body called the Workers Compensation Board (WCA, s. 318 [Former Act, s. 81]) and is referred to as “the Board” or “WCB” in this section. Since 2003, the Workers Compensation Board does business under the name of “WorkSafeBC.” However, legally, it is still the “Workers Compensation Board,” and when party to a legal action, that is how it will be named. The Board has exclusive jurisdiction over compensation to injured workers for workplace injuries, amongst other duties.

LSLAP at 19:36, 15 August 2025

2025-08-15T19:36:57Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:36, 15 August 2025
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	== A. Scope of This Section ==		== A. Scope of This Section ==
	This section provides information to workers and their representatives on the overall structure and basic procedures of the Board and the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Tribunal (“'''WCAT'''”). WCAT is an independent organization that workers or employers can go to if they want to appeal a decision from ~~WorkSafeBC~~. This section is intended to assist in working on cases and appeals arising from Board decisions made under the WCA. The vast majority of these cases involve Board decisions denying injured and disabled workers particular compensation benefits. This is not surprising given that Board policies are often complex, and that about 100,000 compensation claims are filed by injured workers every year, with about half of these claims involving a serious injury or disability.		This section provides information to workers and their representatives on the overall structure and basic procedures of the Board and the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Tribunal (“'''WCAT'''”). WCAT is an independent organization that workers or employers can go to if they want to appeal a decision from the WCB. This section is intended to assist in working on cases and appeals arising from Board decisions made under the WCA. The vast majority of these cases involve Board decisions denying injured and disabled workers particular compensation benefits. This is not surprising given that Board policies are often complex, and that about 100,000 compensation claims are filed by injured workers every year, with about half of these claims involving a serious injury or disability.

	Therefore, the primary focus of this material is on compensation matters which may be at issue in Board cases. Assessment and Occupational Health & Safety issues are addressed briefly at the end of the chapter. The Appendices provide information for referrals, community resources, and helpful links for finding law and policy. In particular, the WCA requires the Board, through its Accident Fund, to support the Employer’s Advisers Office and the Worker’s Advisers Office, which can provide employers and workers with free legal assistance. However, the extent of the assistance provided by these advisors changes from time to time and between locations.		Therefore, the primary focus of this material is on compensation matters which may be at issue in Board cases. Assessment and Occupational Health & Safety issues are addressed briefly at the end of the chapter. The Appendices provide information for referrals, community resources, and helpful links for finding law and policy. In particular, the WCA requires the Board, through its Accident Fund, to support the Employer’s Advisers Office and the Worker’s Advisers Office, which can provide employers and workers with free legal assistance. However, the extent of the assistance provided by these advisors changes from time to time and between locations.

LSLAP at 23:40, 2 September 2024

2024-09-02T23:40:12Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:40, 2 September 2024
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	{{REVIEWED LSLAP \| date= ~~August 1~~, ~~2023~~}}		{{REVIEWED LSLAP \| date= September 2, 2024}}
	{{LSLAP Manual TOC\|expanded = workers}}		{{LSLAP Manual TOC\|expanded = workers}}

	This chapter covers basic legislation, policy, and procedures associated with administrative proceedings under the ''Workers’ Compensation Act'', RSBC 2019, c 1 [“'''WCA'''”]. The WCA replaced the former ''~~Workers’~~ Compensation Act'', RSBC 1996, c 492 (the “Former Act”) on April 6, 2020. While there was no substantive change encompassed in this act revision, the section numbers of the WCA have changed significantly.		This chapter covers basic legislation, policy, and procedures associated with administrative proceedings under the ''Workers’ Compensation Act'', RSBC 2019, c 1 [“'''WCA'''”]. The WCA replaced the former ''Workers Compensation Act'', RSBC 1996, c 492 (the “Former Act”) on April 6, 2020. While there was no substantive change encompassed in this act revision, the section numbers of the WCA have changed significantly.

	The WCA is a provincial statute creating a regulatory body called the ~~Workers’~~ Compensation Board (WCA, s. 318 [Former Act, s. 81]) and is referred to as “the Board” or “WCB” in this section. Since 2003, the ~~Workers’~~ Compensation Board does business under the name of “WorkSafeBC.” However, legally, it is still the ~~“Workers’~~ Compensation Board,” and when party to a legal action, that is how it will be named. The Board has exclusive jurisdiction over compensation to injured workers for workplace injuries, amongst other duties.		The WCA is a provincial statute creating a regulatory body called the Workers Compensation Board (WCA, s. 318 [Former Act, s. 81]) and is referred to as “the Board” or “WCB” in this section. Since 2003, the Workers Compensation Board does business under the name of “WorkSafeBC.” However, legally, it is still the “Workers Compensation Board,” and when party to a legal action, that is how it will be named. The Board has exclusive jurisdiction over compensation to injured workers for workplace injuries, amongst other duties.

	Today’s workers’ compensation schemes, including BC’s, are based on the historic trade-off: employers fund a no-fault insurance scheme for injured workers and, in return, workers give up their right to legal action against their employer for work-related injuries and occupational diseases (WCA, s. 127 [Former Act, s. 10(1)]). This approach offers several benefits: it takes workplace injury claims out of the courts, minimizing the use of scarce judicial resources and limiting cost and delay for the workers; It gives greater certainty of compensation to workers, and streamlines the compensation process, and; Like any insurance scheme, it spreads losses amongst employers, eliminates the concern about ruinous claims, and provides coverage regardless of fault.		Today’s workers’ compensation schemes, including BC’s, are based on the historic trade-off: employers fund a no-fault insurance scheme for injured workers and, in return, workers give up their right to legal action against their employer for work-related injuries and occupational diseases (WCA, s. 127 [Former Act, s. 10(1)]). This approach offers several benefits: it takes workplace injury claims out of the courts, minimizing the use of scarce judicial resources and limiting cost and delay for the workers; It gives greater certainty of compensation to workers, and streamlines the compensation process, and; Like any insurance scheme, it spreads losses amongst employers, eliminates the concern about ruinous claims, and provides coverage regardless of fault.

Clicklaw Editor at 19:09, 12 September 2023

2023-09-12T19:09:00Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:09, 12 September 2023
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	*Regulation of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS): In BC, the Board is responsible for workplace health and safety regulations, investigations, and enforcement as set out in Part 2 of the WCA [Former Act, Part 3] and in the Occupational Health & Safety Regulation, BC Reg 296/97 (the “'''OHSR'''”). While most enforcement orders and penalties are against employers for safety violations, orders may also be issued against workers. Under the WCA, workers are entitled to refuse unsafe work and to be protected from retaliation for reporting unsafe work practices.		*Regulation of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS): In BC, the Board is responsible for workplace health and safety regulations, investigations, and enforcement as set out in Part 2 of the WCA [Former Act, Part 3] and in the Occupational Health & Safety Regulation, BC Reg 296/97 (the “'''OHSR'''”). While most enforcement orders and penalties are against employers for safety violations, orders may also be issued against workers. Under the WCA, workers are entitled to refuse unsafe work and to be protected from retaliation for reporting unsafe work practices.

	*Employer Assessments: The WCA grants specific powers to the Board to set rates and collect assessments from employers to create an Accident Fund. The Accident Fund must be sufficient to finance the compensation system, and each employer is assessed annually based on a complex formula. The WCA requires the Board to operate a fully funded system.		*Employer Assessments: The WCA grants specific powers to the Board to set rates and collect assessments from employers to create an Accident Fund. The Accident Fund must be sufficient to finance the compensation system, and each employer is assessed annually based on a complex formula. The WCA requires the Board to operate a fully funded system.

Clicklaw Editor at 19:06, 12 September 2023

2023-09-12T19:06:45Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:06, 12 September 2023
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	This chapter covers basic legislation, policy, and procedures associated with administrative proceedings under the ''Workers’ Compensation Act'', RSBC 2019, c 1 [“'''WCA'''”]. The WCA replaced the former ''Workers’ Compensation Act'', RSBC 1996, c 492 (the “Former Act”) on April 6, 2020. While there was no substantive change encompassed in this act revision, the section numbers of the WCA have changed significantly.		This chapter covers basic legislation, policy, and procedures associated with administrative proceedings under the ''Workers’ Compensation Act'', RSBC 2019, c 1 [“'''WCA'''”]. The WCA replaced the former ''Workers’ Compensation Act'', RSBC 1996, c 492 (the “Former Act”) on April 6, 2020. While there was no substantive change encompassed in this act revision, the section numbers of the WCA have changed significantly.


	The WCA is a provincial statute creating a regulatory body called the Workers’ Compensation Board (WCA, s. 318 [Former Act, s. 81]) and is referred to as “the Board” or “WCB” in this section. Since 2003, the Workers’ Compensation Board does business under the name of “WorkSafeBC.” However, legally, it is still the “Workers’ Compensation Board,” and when party to a legal action, that is how it will be named. The Board has exclusive jurisdiction over compensation to injured workers for workplace injuries, amongst other duties.		The WCA is a provincial statute creating a regulatory body called the Workers’ Compensation Board (WCA, s. 318 [Former Act, s. 81]) and is referred to as “the Board” or “WCB” in this section. Since 2003, the Workers’ Compensation Board does business under the name of “WorkSafeBC.” However, legally, it is still the “Workers’ Compensation Board,” and when party to a legal action, that is how it will be named. The Board has exclusive jurisdiction over compensation to injured workers for workplace injuries, amongst other duties.


	Today’s workers’ compensation schemes, including BC’s, are based on the historic trade-off: employers fund a no-fault insurance scheme for injured workers and, in return, workers give up their right to legal action against their employer for work-related injuries and occupational diseases (WCA, s. 127 [Former Act, s. 10(1)]). This approach offers several benefits: it takes workplace injury claims out of the courts, minimizing the use of scarce judicial resources and limiting cost and delay for the workers; It gives greater certainty of compensation to workers, and streamlines the compensation process, and; Like any insurance scheme, it spreads losses amongst employers, eliminates the concern about ruinous claims, and provides coverage regardless of fault.		Today’s workers’ compensation schemes, including BC’s, are based on the historic trade-off: employers fund a no-fault insurance scheme for injured workers and, in return, workers give up their right to legal action against their employer for work-related injuries and occupational diseases (WCA, s. 127 [Former Act, s. 10(1)]). This approach offers several benefits: it takes workplace injury claims out of the courts, minimizing the use of scarce judicial resources and limiting cost and delay for the workers; It gives greater certainty of compensation to workers, and streamlines the compensation process, and; Like any insurance scheme, it spreads losses amongst employers, eliminates the concern about ruinous claims, and provides coverage regardless of fault.


	Aside from compensation, the Board's other duties include:		Aside from compensation, the Board's other duties include:

			*Regulation of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS): In BC, the Board is responsible for workplace health and safety regulations, investigations, and enforcement as set out in Part 2 of the WCA [Former Act, Part 3] and in the Occupational Health & Safety Regulation, BC Reg 296/97 (the “'''OHSR'''”). While most enforcement orders and penalties are against employers for safety violations, orders may also be issued against workers. Under the WCA, workers are entitled to refuse unsafe work and to be protected from retaliation for reporting unsafe work practices.

	*Regulation of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS): In BC, the Board is responsible for workplace health and safety regulations, investigations, and enforcement as set out in Part 2 of the WCA [Former Act, Part 3] and in the Occupational Health & Safety Regulation, BC Reg 296/97 (the “'''OHSR'''”). While most enforcement orders and penalties are against employers for safety violations, orders may also be issued against workers. Under the WCA, workers are entitled to refuse unsafe work and to be protected from retaliation for reporting unsafe work practices.		*Employer Assessments: The WCA grants specific powers to the Board to set rates and collect assessments from employers to create an Accident Fund. The Accident Fund must be sufficient to finance the compensation system, and each employer is assessed annually based on a complex formula. The WCA requires the Board to operate a fully funded system.


	*Employer Assessments: The WCA grants specific powers to the Board to set rates and collect assessments from employers to create an Accident Fund. The Accident Fund must be sufficient to finance the compensation system, and each employer is assessed annually based on a complex formula. The WCA requires the Board to operate a fully funded system.


	== A. Scope of This Section ==		== A. Scope of This Section ==
	This section provides information to workers and their representatives on the overall structure and basic procedures of the Board and the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Tribunal (“'''WCAT'''”). WCAT is an independent organization that workers or employers can go to if they want to appeal a decision from WorkSafeBC. This section is intended to assist in working on cases and appeals arising from Board decisions made under the WCA. The vast majority of these cases involve Board decisions denying injured and disabled workers particular compensation benefits. This is not surprising given that Board policies are often complex, and that about 100,000 compensation claims are filed by injured workers every year, with about half of these claims involving a serious injury or disability.		This section provides information to workers and their representatives on the overall structure and basic procedures of the Board and the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Tribunal (“'''WCAT'''”). WCAT is an independent organization that workers or employers can go to if they want to appeal a decision from WorkSafeBC. This section is intended to assist in working on cases and appeals arising from Board decisions made under the WCA. The vast majority of these cases involve Board decisions denying injured and disabled workers particular compensation benefits. This is not surprising given that Board policies are often complex, and that about 100,000 compensation claims are filed by injured workers every year, with about half of these claims involving a serious injury or disability.


	Therefore, the primary focus of this material is on compensation matters which may be at issue in Board cases. Assessment and Occupational Health & Safety issues are addressed briefly at the end of the chapter. The Appendices provide information for referrals, community resources, and helpful links for finding law and policy. In particular, the WCA requires the Board, through its Accident Fund, to support the Employer’s Advisers Office and the Worker’s Advisers Office, which can provide employers and workers with free legal assistance. However, the extent of the assistance provided by these advisors changes from time to time and between locations.		Therefore, the primary focus of this material is on compensation matters which may be at issue in Board cases. Assessment and Occupational Health & Safety issues are addressed briefly at the end of the chapter. The Appendices provide information for referrals, community resources, and helpful links for finding law and policy. In particular, the WCA requires the Board, through its Accident Fund, to support the Employer’s Advisers Office and the Worker’s Advisers Office, which can provide employers and workers with free legal assistance. However, the extent of the assistance provided by these advisors changes from time to time and between locations.



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LSLAP at 23:43, 9 August 2023

2023-08-09T23:43:34Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:43, 9 August 2023
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	{{REVIEWED LSLAP \| date= ~~July 21~~, ~~2022~~}}		{{REVIEWED LSLAP \| date= August 1, 2023}}
	{{LSLAP Manual TOC\|expanded = workers}}		{{LSLAP Manual TOC\|expanded = workers}}