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WORKSAFEBC & YOU
The Workers Compensation Board (WorkSafeBC) is an official government agency which you will more than likely deal with or hear about others dealing with during your career in the forest industry.
The Workmen’s Compensation Act in BC was first passed in 1902. But it took until 1917 for the first version of a Worker’s Compensation Board to be put into place.
WCB was put into place primarily to provide a no-fault public insurance program that protected negligent employers from being sued by injured workers or surviving family members. It also provided most BC workers with the legal right to be some compensation and rehabilitation.
Although still today many BC forest workers look at WorkSafeBC as protector of the employer more than workers, the WCB does offer very valuable services to workers. We believe in working together with the good people in this agency. Many are dedicated professionals.
There are many top-notch people at WorkSafeBC who can be accessed when you need help.
On this website section we address key issues of Filling Out Claims forms, Reporting an Unsafe Workplace and Getting a WorkSafeBC inspector into your work site(s).
 FILLING OUT WORKSAFEBC CLAIMS FORMS
If you are injured at work, and are mentally and physically able, you should immediately fill out and send in two forms. The first is an Application for Compensation and Report of Injury or Occupational Disease, which goes to the WorkSafe BC. This is also know as Form 6.
Click here to download Form 6 in pdf format.
The second form is the Worker’s Report of Injury or Occupational Disease to Employer. This is also know as Form 6a.
Click here to download Form 6a in pdf format.
Make sure that, where the forms ask for identical information, that you double-check what you fill in. And fill both forms out
If you are a self-employed contractor, make sure you put your company name and address in both forms.
You have to sign and send in your forms in by mail or fax them in. The mailing address and fax are as follows:
WorkSafeBC
PO Box 4700 Stn Terminal
Vancouver, BC V6B 1J1
Fax Lower Mainland 604.233.9777 or
Toll Free Fax BC 1.888.922.8807
Claims Call Center - Phone 604 231-8888
Toll-free 1 888 967-5377
You should know that your employer will fill out a Form 7 and has to send it in within 3 days, even if they disagree with your claim.
To check your claim status you can visit the WorkSafe BC website at: http://www.worksafebc.com/claims/
For basic information on how the claims system work, including Frequently Asked Questions, including the Claims Review and Appeal Guide visit: http://www.worksafebc.com/help/faqs/
 Teleclaim Contact Center
If you have missed work as the result of a workplace injury you can also called the WorkSafeBC Teleclaim Contact Center. The center can help you complete an injury report and answer questions about the claim process. It can also help you access services to assist in your recovery and return to work.
Here’s the number:
Call 1-888-WORKERS
That’s 1-888-967-5377
USW MEMBERS AND WORKSAFEBC CLAIMS
If you are a member of the United Steelworkers and would like to discuss, with your local union health and safety representative, the filling out of forms and claims processes from filing claims to appeals, please select the person from the local union list below.
List of Steelworkers Local Health and Safety Representatives
USW Local 1-1937 (Southern Vancouver Island)
Duncan, BC
Tel. 250.746.6131
USW Local 1-85 (Port Alberni)
Port Alberni , BC
Tel. 250.724.0171
USW Local 1-1937 (Vancouver, Coastal Loggers)
Courtenay, BC
Tel. 250.334.3329
USW Local 2009 (Fraser Valley)
Langley, BC
Tel. 604.513.1850
USW Local 1-1937 (Comox Valley/Johnstone Straits)
Courtenay, BC
Tel. 250.334.2333
For all members of other USW Local Unions, contact Ron Corbeil at: 604 683 1117.
REPORTING UNSAFE WORKPLACES AND GETTING AND WORKSAFEBC INSPECTOR
WorkSafeBC provides a confidential BC Toll free number for you to report an unsafe condition or situation in your workplace.
This is the PREVENTION INFORMATION LINE. It is 1.888.621.7233 or 604.276.3100
You can also request a worksite inspection consultation. Don’t feel hesitant to call and be patient.
Or you can send an email to:
At these phone numbers you can also get information about workplace health and safety issues, information about the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, and report serious accidents, incidents, or major chemical releases.
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