Workers' Compensation Referrals (7:App C): Difference between revisions

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{{REVIEWED LSLAP | date= 18 July 2025}}
{{LSLAP Manual TOC|expanded = workers}}
{{LSLAP Manual TOC|expanded = workers}}


== A. Referrals ==
== Unions ==


=== 1. Unions ===
Unions provide more representation for injured workers than all other sources combined. If a worker was engaged in employment under a collective agreement when injured, their union or former union should be the first resource. Some unions will even help former members with claims arising out of injuries suffered in non-union employment.


Unions provide more representation for injured workers than all other sources combined. If a worker was engaged in employment under a collective agreement when injured, his or her union or former union should be the first resource. Some unions will even help former members with claims arising out of injuries suffered in non-union employment.
== Workers’ Advisers Office (WAO) ==
Website: [http://www.gov.bc.ca/workersadvisers www.gov.bc.ca/workersadvisers]<BR>
Telephone: (604) 335-5931; Toll-free: 1 (800) 663-4261<BR>


==== Workers’ Advisors Offices (WAO) ====
'''Vancouver/Lower Mainland Regional Offices:'''<BR>
260A - 4600 Jacombs Road, Richmond, BC V6V 3B1<BR>
Fax: (604) 713-0311


{{ResourcesLSLAP_online
Unit A250a 20161 86th Avenue, Langley, BC V2Y 2C1<BR>
| online = [http://www.labour.gov.bc.ca/wab Website]
Fax: (778) 705-1106
}}


Lower Mainland Regional Offices:
'''Interior Regional Offices:'''<BR>


{{ResourcesLSLAP_addressphone
420-1726 Dolphin Avenue, Kelowna, BC V1Y 9R9<BR>
| address = 500-8100 Granville Avenue <br /> Richmond, BC V6Y 3T6
Fax: 250-717-2010
| phone = (604) 713-0360 <br /> Toll-free within BC: 1-800-663-4261 <br /> Fax: (604) 713-0311
}}


{{ResourcesLSLAP_addressphone
102-70 - 2nd Avenue, Kamloops, BC V2C 6W2<BR>
| address = 204 - 32555 Simon Avenue <br /> Abbotsford, BC V2T 4Y2
Fax: 250-371-3820
| phone = (604) 870-5488 <br /> Toll-free: 1-888-295-7781 <br /> Fax: (604) 870-5494
}}


*This is the primary resource for non-union workers having difficulties with the Board. The advisors have direct access to the claim file and provide workers with detailed, confidential advice about the claim. They also offer very readable written information for claimants.
208-1577 - 7th Avenue, Prince George, BC V2L 3P5<BR>
*The WAO only takes referrals by internet. Claimants must fill out the online inquiry form at the following website: https://www.labour.gov.bc.ca/wab/inquiry/. They will be contacted within 2 business days to set up a telephone appointment with an Intake Administrator.
Fax: 250-645-4024


==== Employers’ Advisors Office ====
'''Vancouver Island Regional Offices:'''<BR>


{{ResourcesLSLAP_phoneonline
403-3960 Quadra Street, Victoria, BC V8X 4A3<BR>
| phone = (604) 713-0303 <br /> Toll-free within BC and Alberta: 1-800-925-2233 <br /> Fax: (604) 713-0345
Fax: 250-952-4399
| online = [http://www.labour.gov.bc.ca/eao Website]
}}


==== Community Legal Assistance Society (CLAS) ====
504-495 Dunsmuir Street, Nanaimo, BC V9R 6B9<BR>
Fax: 250-741-5516


{{ResourcesLSLAP
205-1040 Shoppers Row, Campbell River, BC V9W 2C6<BR>
| resource_description = CLAS may be able to help if a client has lost their appeal to the Worker’s Compensation Appeal Tribunal (WCAT) and wants the WCAT to reconsider their decision, or a court to overturn the decision; and if the advocate who helped the client at WCAT cannot assist anymore.
Fax: 250-830-6528
| address = 300 – 1140 West Pender Street <br /> Vancouver, BC V6E 4G1 
| phone = (604) 685-3425 <br /> Fax: (604) 685-7611 <br /> Toll-free: 1-888-685-6222
| online = [http://www.clasbc.net/ Website]
}}


==== WCB Main Inspection Office ====


{{ResourcesLSLAP
This is the primary resource for non-union workers having difficulties with the Board. The advisors have direct access to the claim file and can provide workers with detailed and confidential advice about the claim. They also offer very accessible written information for claimants.
| resource_description = Complaints about violations of health & safety regulations should be directed here.
| address = 6951 Westminster Highway <br /> Richmond, BC V7C 1C6
| phone = (604) 273-2266 <br /> Toll-free (outside Vancouver): 1-800-661-2112
}}


==== WCB Fair Practices Office ====
The WAO only takes referrals by internet. Claimants must fill out the [https://wao-preiq.labour.gov.bc.ca/ online inquiry form]. They will be contacted within 2 business days to set up a telephone appointment with an Intake Administrator.


{{ResourcesLSLAP
== Employers’ Advisers Office ==
| resource_description = <br />
Telephone''': 1 (800) 925-2233<BR>
*This office can be contacted when all internal remedies have been unsuccessful or if the worker has a complaint about matters that are not subject to appeal, such as rude conduct by WCB staff, failure to answer letters, or unfair procedures. 
Fax: 1 (855) 664-7993<BR>
*Most lawyers who do WCB applications or WCAT appeals require payment in advance. For more information please see the lawyer referral section.
Email: eao@eao-bc.org
| address = '''Street Address:''' 6951 Westminster Highway, Richmond, BC V7C 1C6 <br /> '''Mailing Address:''' P.O. Box 5350 Stn. Terminal, Vancouver, BC  V6B 5L5
| phone = (604) 276-3053 <br /> Fax (604) 276-3103
| online =
}}


== B. Resources ==
The Employers’ Advisers Office (EAO) is a branch of the Ministry of Labour. Independent of WorkSafeBC, the EAO is a resource for employers in British Columbia, providing complimentary advice, assistance, representation educational seminars to employers, potential employers and employer associations concerning workers’ compensation issues.


=== 1. Print Resources ===
== Community Legal Assistance Society (CLAS) ==
300 – 1140 West Pender Street, Vancouver, BC V6E 4G1<BR>
Telephone: (604) 685-3425<BR>
Fax: (604) 685-7611<BR>
Toll-free: 1-888-685-6222


Heather MacDonald and Marguerite Mousseau. ''Workers’ Compensation in British Columbia'', (LexisNexis Canada, 2009) 
CLAS may be able to help if a client has lost their appeal to the Workers’ Compensation Appeal Tribunal (WCAT) and wants WCAT to reconsider their decision, or a court to overturn the decision, and if the advocate who helped the client at WCAT can no longer assist.
*A comprehensive overview of the workers' compensation system in British Columbia, written by two members of the WCAT, the senior appeal tribunal. 
=== 2. Internet Resources ===


==== [http://www.worksafebc.com WorkSafe BC] ====
== WCB Main Inspection Office ==
6951 Westminster Highway, Richmond, BC V7C 1C6<BR>
Telephone: (604) 273-2266<BR>
Toll-free: 1-800-661-2112


*The Board’s own site contains a wealth of material, including the complete Claims Manual, Appeal Division decisions (since January 1, 2000), the complete Reporter series of decisions, and most of the reports and documents listed above. It also has decisions of the old Appeal Division and the Review Division, and statistics and resources.
Complaints about violations of health & safety regulations should be directed here.
*A policy and legislation page is located at http://www.worksafebc.com/law_and_policy with links to an online version of the Act, recent amendments, and various policy and practice materials. This is the most practical way to research current policies and practices, including the Board’s two-volume compensation policy manual, which has the force of law.  


==== [http://www.labour.gov.bc.ca/wab/ Workers’ Advisor’s Office] ====
== WCB Fair Practices Office ==
P.O. Box 5350 Stn. Terminal, Vancouver, BC V6B 5L5<BR>
Telephone: (604) 276-3053<BR>
Fax: (604) 276-3103


*This site, which is part of the Ministry of Labour, contains excellent plain language summaries of the key aspects of the system written for the average claimant, and other material as well. This service is free for anyone who is not represented by a union.
This office can be contacted when all internal remedies have been unsuccessful, or if the worker has a complaint about matters that are not subject to appeal, such as rude conduct by WCB staff, failure to answer letters, or unfair procedures.  


==== [http://www.wcat.bc.ca Workers’ Compensation Appeal Tribunal] ==== 
:'''Note''': Most lawyers who do WCB applications or WCAT appeals require payment in advance. For more information, please see the lawyer referral section in Chapter 22.


*This site provides information about WCAT and various aspects of Workers’Compensation appeal matters. The “How to Appeal” section provides information on how to appeal, enables access to various appeal forms and provides internet links to WCAT publications as well as other resources that can assist in the appeal process. It also contains WCAT decisions, as well as forms required for appeal.


=== 3. Organizations ===
{{LSLAP Manual Navbox|type=chapters1-7}}
 
==== Workers’ Compensation Advocacy Group ====
{{ResourcesLSLAP
| resource_description = An informal organization open to all advocates for injured workers, including union representatives, private and legal aid lawyers, workers’ advisers, injured workers’ group leaders, and others. The group meets monthly, and as a recognized stakeholder for injured workers, is regularly consulted by WCB and government about WCB matters.
| address = 300 - 1140 West Pender Street <br /> Vancouver, BC V6E 4G1
| phone = (604) 685-3425 <br /> Fax: (604) 685-7611
}}
 
==== PovNet’s wcb-bc Email List ====
 
*For more information, contact Jim Sayre at jsayre@clasbc.net, or Penny Goldsmith at penny@povnet.org.
*PovNet sponsors an interactive, confidential email list for workers’ advocates. The list enables members to post questions and information about WCB cases and matters, and to respond to other members’ postings.
 
==== BC Federation of Labour ====
 
{{ResourcesLSLAP
| resource_description = The BC Federation of Labour represents more than half a million workers through affiliated unions in more than 800 locals, working in every aspect of the BC economy.
| address = # 200-5118 Joyce Street <br /> Vancouver, BC V5R 4H1
| phone = (604) 430-1420 <br /> Fax: (604) 430-5917
| online = [http://www.bcfed.com Website]
}}
 
==== [http://www.ciws.ca Canadian Injured Workers Society] ====
*The Society was formed in 2005 by a group of injured Canadian employees and their family members that was interested in improving the workers compensation system in Canada. The Society is a non-profit corporation registered with Corporations Canada. The website is no longer updated however the archived resources may be useful.

Latest revision as of 19:06, 13 October 2025

This information applies to British Columbia, Canada. Last reviewed for legal accuracy by the Law Students' Legal Advice Program on 18 July 2025.



Unions

Unions provide more representation for injured workers than all other sources combined. If a worker was engaged in employment under a collective agreement when injured, their union or former union should be the first resource. Some unions will even help former members with claims arising out of injuries suffered in non-union employment.

Workers’ Advisers Office (WAO)

Website: www.gov.bc.ca/workersadvisers
Telephone: (604) 335-5931; Toll-free: 1 (800) 663-4261

Vancouver/Lower Mainland Regional Offices:
260A - 4600 Jacombs Road, Richmond, BC V6V 3B1
Fax: (604) 713-0311

Unit A250a 20161 86th Avenue, Langley, BC V2Y 2C1
Fax: (778) 705-1106

Interior Regional Offices:

420-1726 Dolphin Avenue, Kelowna, BC V1Y 9R9
Fax: 250-717-2010

102-70 - 2nd Avenue, Kamloops, BC V2C 6W2
Fax: 250-371-3820

208-1577 - 7th Avenue, Prince George, BC V2L 3P5
Fax: 250-645-4024

Vancouver Island Regional Offices:

403-3960 Quadra Street, Victoria, BC V8X 4A3
Fax: 250-952-4399

504-495 Dunsmuir Street, Nanaimo, BC V9R 6B9
Fax: 250-741-5516

205-1040 Shoppers Row, Campbell River, BC V9W 2C6
Fax: 250-830-6528


This is the primary resource for non-union workers having difficulties with the Board. The advisors have direct access to the claim file and can provide workers with detailed and confidential advice about the claim. They also offer very accessible written information for claimants.

The WAO only takes referrals by internet. Claimants must fill out the online inquiry form. They will be contacted within 2 business days to set up a telephone appointment with an Intake Administrator.

Employers’ Advisers Office

Telephone: 1 (800) 925-2233
Fax: 1 (855) 664-7993
Email: eao@eao-bc.org

The Employers’ Advisers Office (EAO) is a branch of the Ministry of Labour. Independent of WorkSafeBC, the EAO is a resource for employers in British Columbia, providing complimentary advice, assistance, representation educational seminars to employers, potential employers and employer associations concerning workers’ compensation issues.

Community Legal Assistance Society (CLAS)

300 – 1140 West Pender Street, Vancouver, BC V6E 4G1
Telephone: (604) 685-3425
Fax: (604) 685-7611
Toll-free: 1-888-685-6222

CLAS may be able to help if a client has lost their appeal to the Workers’ Compensation Appeal Tribunal (WCAT) and wants WCAT to reconsider their decision, or a court to overturn the decision, and if the advocate who helped the client at WCAT can no longer assist.

WCB Main Inspection Office

6951 Westminster Highway, Richmond, BC V7C 1C6
Telephone: (604) 273-2266
Toll-free: 1-800-661-2112

Complaints about violations of health & safety regulations should be directed here.

WCB Fair Practices Office

P.O. Box 5350 Stn. Terminal, Vancouver, BC V6B 5L5
Telephone: (604) 276-3053
Fax: (604) 276-3103

This office can be contacted when all internal remedies have been unsuccessful, or if the worker has a complaint about matters that are not subject to appeal, such as rude conduct by WCB staff, failure to answer letters, or unfair procedures.

Note: Most lawyers who do WCB applications or WCAT appeals require payment in advance. For more information, please see the lawyer referral section in Chapter 22.


© Copyright 2025, The Greater Vancouver Law Students' Legal Advice Society.