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WorkSafeBC

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WorkSafeBC Complaints Office

Frequently asked questions

  1. Who can use the services of the Complaints Office?
  2. How can I make a complaint?
  3. How are complaints kept completely confidential?
  4. Will my complaint be placed on my WorkSafeBC file?

The mandate of the WorkSafeBC Complaints Office (previously the Office of the WCB Ombudsman) is to deal with complaints of alleged unfairness in the application of compensation law, policy, practice, and procedure.

The mission of the office is to provide confidential assistance to workers, employers, and other stakeholders.

Independent


The Complaints Office is independent, and provides assistance while maintaining confidentiality. If you have a WorkSafeBC-related concern, the office can:

  • Advise you on how the WorkSafeBC system works and how outstanding issues might be resolved
  • Help you reach the individual authorized to deal directly with a particular concern
  • Offer confidential, impartial recommendations on issues relating to the workers' compensation system and WorkSafeBC

Diverse


The Complaints Office deals with diverse issues in areas such as compensation, assessment, prevention, and the implementation of review/appeal decisions. The office can work with you to resolve alleged unfairness relating to:

  • A WorkSafeBC decision or recommendation
  • An act done or omitted by WorkSafeBC
  • A procedure, practice, or regulation used by WorkSafeBC

The office does not:

  • Accept referrals through WorkSafeBC staff
  • Handle issues related directly to the Workers Compensation Act
  • Advise on issues under review or appeal or involving the right to review or appeal

Confidential


Contact with the Complaints Office is confidential. The office does not scan documents to workers' or employers' WorkSafeBC file records.

Employees adhere to the secrecy provisions outlined in Section 95 of the Workers Compensation Act. Although the staff of the Complaints Office are WorkSafeBC employees, they are designated neutrals. This means they do not side with the WorkSafeBC, its employees, the complainant, or any other party. The Complaints Office is neither a level of review or appeal, nor is it intended to replace workers' or employers' access to the review and appeal process.