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Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FIPPA) FAQs
When do I ask for information under the FIPPA?
First contact the department you think has the information. If the department cannot provide you with what you need in our normal course of business, you then have the option of filing a formal FIPPA request for information through WorkSafeBC's Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Office.
How do I know where to look for information?
A directory of government records is available at your local library and in provincial and municipal government offices to help you locate information. This directory includes an index of WorkSafeBC records.
As a worker with a WorkSafeBC claim, how do I make a formal request for my personal information contained in WorkSafeBC records?
If you want a copy of your WorkSafeBC claim file, send your written request (specifying your name, claim number, address, and telephone number) to the Disclosures Department of WorkSafeBC, PO Box 5350 Stn Terminal, Vancouver, BC V6B 5L5 or fax your request to 604 276-3102.
While usually all of a claimant's personal information is in a WorkSafeBC claim file, sometimes there are other WorkSafeBC records that contain personal information. To get these records, send your written request (specifying your name, claim number, address, and telephone number) to the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Department of WorkSafeBC, PO Box 2310 Stn Terminal, Vancouver, BC V6B 3W5, or fax your request to 604 279-7401.
How do other people, such as employers and union representatives file a request for a copy of a claim file?
Employers only have the right to access claim file records once an appeal on the file has been initiated. A representative of a claimant may have access if they have a valid consent signed by the claimant. They should send their written requests (specifying the worker's name and claim number and representative's name and telephone number) to the Disclosures Department of WorkSafeBC, PO Box 5350 Stn Terminal, Vancouver, BC V6B 5L5 or fax your request to 604 276-3102.
How do I receive access to other WorkSafeBC records that are not claim file records?
You can submit a request in writing to the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Department of WorkSafeBC, PO Box 2310 Stn Terminal, Vancouver, BC V6B 3W5. The request must be in writing and be sufficiently detailed for a WorkSafeBC employee to locate the records. The request may be submitted in a letter or by filling out a Request for access to records (PDF 53kb) Form 11M7. The staff of WorkSafeBC's Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Office can help you clarify your request.
Do I have to pay for my records?
There is no fee for any records that are considered your personal information, like your claim file records. A request under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act for records other than your personal information may require a fee to cover costs. If there are costs involved, a written fee estimate will be given to you once we have received and reviewed your request.
How do I ask for correction of my own information?
You should first contact the WorkSafeBC department that holds the record directly. If there is any question about the accuracy of the changes or if the manager declines to make a change, you have the right to ask for correction of your own information by writing to WorkSafeBC's Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Office. State clearly what the error is, how you want it corrected and, if possible, where the error occurs.
How do I file a privacy complaint?
If you think your privacy has been violated, you may send your complaint to either:
Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Office
WorkSafeBC
PO Box 2310 Stn Terminal
Vancouver BC V6B 3W5
Tel: 604 279-8171
Fax: 604 279-7401
OR
Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner
4th Floor, 1675 Douglas Street
Victoria BC V8V 1X4
For more information visit the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner web site.