OCHS 1101-4

A co-worker is new to your department and is unsure what WorksafeBC is – provide a brief overview including historical origins

Overview: independent provincial agency under BC Worker’s Compensation Act.

History: Born from dangerous industries like forestry and mining; Came into force in 1917.

What are the three essential functions of any Workplace Compensation Board

Compensation

Rehabilitation

Create safe workplaces.

Define ‘The Historic Compromise’

Workers gave up right to sue employers for covered workplace injuries

Employers fund compensation system.

Describe the role of WCB prevention officers – list the two types discussed in class

Inspect workplaces, educate employers and workers, enforce safety rules.

Two types

• Occupational safety officer

• Occupational hygiene officer.

Compare and Contrast – Occupational Safety Officer and Occupational Hygiene Officer – provide one example of an activity each may engage in (specific to the role)

Safety officer: focus on physical hazards (e.g., Checking fall protection)

Hygiene officer: focuses on health exposures (e.g., Measuring chemical vapours).

Describe the role of WCB Case Managers

Coordinate injury claims, recovery, and return to work

Communicate with employers and healthcare.

Describe the role of WCB Vocational Rehabilitation

Help injured workers return to work through

• Assessments

• Counselling

• Retraining

• Job placement

Describe the role of WCB Finance/Information Services

Finance: Manage employer premiums, penalties, investments, budgets.

Information services: Maintain tech and info systems.

Describe the role of WCB Policy and Research Division

Research issues

Consult stakeholders to develop policy and regulatory recommendations

Research Services has 2 goals – list them and provide examples of projects Research Services engages in

1. Fund research to reduce workplace harm

2. Apply research to improve prevention, compensation, and return to work.

Describe the role of WCB General Counsel

Provides legal representation for WSBC.

Describe the role of WCB Issue Resolution Office

Helps workers and employers resolve complaints regarding unfair application of laws, policies, or procedures.

Describe the role of WCB Psychologists

Help workers with overcoming physical problems or mental trauma; Refers them to psychologists.

What is the Worker’s Advisers Office – list its main functions

Independent government services helping workers:

• Help unrepresented workers

• Explain acts and policies

• Give claim info

• Prepare review and appeals

• Get representation (sometimes).

What is the Employer’s Advisers Office– list its main function

Independent government service helping employers understand

• Legislation

• Assessments

• Prevention orders

• Reviews

• Appeals

• Training

• Policy changes.