WCB

What is the WCB? 

WorkSafe BC (the Workers' Compensation Board or WCB) is a provincial statutory agency committed to workplace health and safety. They consult with and educate employers and workers and monitor compliance with the Workers Compensation Act and Occupational Health and Safety Regulations.

In the event of a work-related injury or disease, the WCB works with the affected parties to provide return-to-work rehabilitation, compensation, health care benefits, and a range of other services.

Who is covered by WCB?

The Workers’ Compensation Act covers "workers" as defined in the Act.

All Okanagan College staff and faculty are covered for WCB purposes, whether they work full time, part-time, regular or auxiliary. WCB also covers students who are on OC practicums as well as registered apprentices attending in-class training.

Who pays for WCB costs?

The WCB is funded 100% by BC employers.  Funding covers all aspects of WCB operations, including claim costs.  Like other employers, OC pays for WCB coverage for employees through premiums that are based on industry classification, claims experience and total payroll.

Will I be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits through the WCB?

It is up to a WCB Officer to determine whether or not your claim is an acceptable one based on a review of all the facts related to the injury; the WCB will send you a letter as soon as a decision has been made.

Generally:

• For an injury, this means that you must have been working when you were hurt, and the injury must have been caused by something related to your employment.
• For an occupational disease, this means that the disease contracted must be caused by the work or the work environment.

How does the WCB process a claim?

The WCB website provides the best information for understanding the claims process.

What should I do if I hurt myself at work?

If a work-related injury occurs, there are several things that you need to do:

1. If required, seek immediate medical attention from an OC First Aid Attendant. In the event that an ambulance or transportation to a doctor’s office or hospital is required, these costs will be covered by OC. Please contact the Health and Safety Coordinator by email or by phone at local 4573 for additional information.
2. Advise the doctor that your injury is work related and/or happened at work.
3. Report the injury to OC (your supervisor and/or the Health and Safety Coordinator) as soon as possible. This is required by law.
4. Complete an OC Accident/Incident Form as soon as possible. Submit the completed form to your supervisor for signature. Your supervisor will forward the form to the Health and Safety Coordinater for further processing.
5. Report the injury to the WCB by completing and submitting an Application for Compensation & Report of Injury or Occupational Disease (Form 6). If you are unsure whether or not the injury is work-related please feel free to contact the Health and Safety Coordinator and/or WCB directly to obtain further information.

Please note: It is up to a WCB Officer to determine whether or not your claim is an acceptable one based on a review of all the facts related to the injury; the WCB will send you a letter as soon as a decision has been made.

OC requires employees to report all injuries to the HR Coordinator, Health and Safety and the WCB (if applicable).

What if I need help with a WCB claim?

As a worker in BC, you can utilize the services of the Workers' Advisers Office. The Workers' Advisers Office is a branch of the Ministry of Skills Development and Labour, independent of the WCB, that was established to provide advice, assistance and representation to injured workers and their dependants with workers' compensation claims free of charge.

A Workers' Adviser can:

• Help you understand the Workers Compensation Act and WCB policies and procedures.
• Provide you or anyone else who is helping you with information about your claim.
• Help you with a Request for Review at the Review Division or an Appeal at the Workers' Compensation Appeal Tribunal regarding a WCB decision; and,
• Represent you during a review or an appeal.

Visit the Workers’ Advisers Office online for additional information.

What is the process for returning to work?

When you are on a WCB claim, you are expected to work with the WCB and OC to return to work as soon as you are medically and safely able to do so.

WCB and OC will work with you, your doctor and other health care professionals to assist with a timely and productive return to work. Your return to work may be to your pre-injury job, to "light duties", or to a modified or alternate job on a temporary or permanent basis. For additional information about the return to work process, please contact the Health and Safety Coordinator by email or by phone at local 4573  and/or the WCB.

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