Information Kit

Do you have tips to help avoid problems on my WorkSafeBC claim?

These techniques are useful to help avoid issues on your claim with WorkSafeBC:

• Report your injury to WorkSafeBC (1-888-WORKERS) and to the employer as soon as possible.
• In doing so, provide a complete description of when and how you were injured, what injuries you suffered and all body parts affected.
• Seek medical treatment as soon as possible after your accident, and tell your doctor that it occurred at work.
• Give your doctor a complete description of all injuries and symptoms at every appointment and make sure your doctor accurately records your description. Schedule regular follow-ups with your doctor and ensure they report to WorkSafeBC on your recovery and needs for diagnostic assessment, treatment and medication.
• If you suffer some other injury while in treatment or occupational rehabilitation, report it right away to both your doctor and WorkSafeBC. Make sure that it is clearly recorded by whoever is supervising. Read all decisions you receive from WorkSafeBC carefully. Pay particular attention to wage rate decisions as these affect the level of financial benefits you will receive for the life of your claim. If you do not understand a decision or have questions, call WorkSafeBC.  
• If you disagree with a WorkSafeBC decision you have 90 days to appeal. Don’t miss deadlines

Do you have tips for communicating about my claim or appeal?

These techniques are useful when you are talking to staff at WorkSafeBC, the
Review Division, and the Workers' Compensation Appeal Tribunal.

• Keep accurate and current information in writing. This includes taking notes of phone calls (with dates and times and who you have been talking to). Keep copies of all documents that you send to WSBC. Note when you sent them and how (registered mail, fax, etc.).
• Even though it is your claim and what happens is very important to you, try to be as objective as possible.
• When you are dealing with WSBC, be assertive but do not lose your temper. Having a friend or relative go with you to a meeting can help you stay calm. If you find yourself losing your temper on the phone, tell the person that you will call them back when you are calmer.

How can I find out what is in my WorkSafeBC file?

In most cases, all the information about your claim is in your claim file.

Occasionally, WorkSafeBC will have information about you in other files. For example: if the WorkSafeBC Investigations Department has observed your activities, the results of the investigation may be in an investigation file, but not in your claim file.

How can I view my claim information?

The fastest way to get details about your claim information is to view claims online through WorkSafeBC's secure portal. If you prefer, you can Request a copy of your claim, and WorkSafeBC will send the information to you. If you initiated your claim before May 2009, it will not appear online so you must make a request to WorkSafeBC in writing.