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decisions made at the May 12, 1998 WCB Panel
of Administrators meeting
The following is a list of policy decisions made by the WCB Panel of Administrators on May 12, 1998. For information about the function and mandate of the Panel, please see Governing Structure.
- Interim policy changes concerning the assessment of permanent psychological disability
- Section 39(1)(e): cost relief on historical claims
- Interim policy decisions for implementing the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation
- Fibreglass boat construction: classification change
- Amendment of the assessment manual to incorporate title changes
Interim policy changes concerning the assessment of permanent psychological disability
The Panel approved a temporary addition to the Permanent Disability Evaluation Schedule to govern the assessment of psychological disabilities resulting from occupational injuries and diseases. The Panel also approved the establishment of a Psychological Disability Committee within the Compensation Services Division to make individual case decisions by applying the revised Schedule. The Committee will keep records and analyse the results and will report back to the Panel in two years with recommendations on whether the revised Schedule should be confirmed or changed.
For further information on this issue, please contact Nick Attewell at 604 273-2266, local 2618, or toll free within B.C. at 1 800 661-2112, local 2618.
You may also examine the complete resolution, including the revised schedule.
Section 39(1)(e): cost relief on historical claims
The Panel passed a resolution designed to bring closure to the adjudication of cost relief under section 39(1)(e) on historical claims (claims from 1978 to 1993). The WCB will mail a notice to all employers affected by this resolution, and those employers will have a minimum of 90 days in which to make a request for cost relief on specific historical claims. The WCB is currently working to establish the exact time frame for these requests. After the time period for requests expires, the WCB will not accept any further requests for cost relief on historical claims unless the WCB failed to mail a notice to the employer.
The Panel also decided that section 39(1)(e) cost relief will not apply to pre-1978 claims, nor will it apply in "same employer" situations where the injury occurred prior to July 1, 1998. It will, however, apply where the injury occurred after this date. Interest will be paid on cost relief refunds from the date the employer requested the cost relief and at the same interest rate paid on retroactive payments of compensation.
For further information on this issue, please contact 604 207-1488 or toll free within B.C. 1 800 661-2112, local 1488, after June 15, 1998.
You may also examine the complete resolution.
Interim policy decisions for implementing the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation
The Panel approved interim policy decisions for implementing the new Occupational Health and Safety Regulation. These decisions:
- Continue the authority of the president, Prevention Division, and vice-president of the Prevention Division to perform certain functions under the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation on or after April 15, 1998
- Establish procedures for the expanded rights of appeal in relation to orders and non-issuance of orders granted by the Regulation
- Clarify the status of persons involved in the fishing industry under certain sections of the Regulation.
For further information on this issue, please contact Nick Attewell at 604 273-2266, local 2618, or toll free within B.C. at 1 800 661-2112, local 2618.
You may also examine the complete resolution.
Fibreglass boat construction: classification change
The Panel decided to classify constructors of all fibreglass boats, regardless of length, in subclass 060419. Prior to this decision, fibreglass boat constructors were divided into two subclasses dependent on boat lengths. Those constructing boats less than 42 feet in length were in subclass 060419 while those constructing boats 42 feet or more in length were classified in subclass 072101.
For further information on this issue, please contact Paul Krismer at 604 244-6322 or toll free within B.C. at 1 800 661-2112, local 6322.
You may also examine the complete resolution.
Amendment of the assessment manual to incorporate title changes
The Panel approved the amendment to the Assessment Policy Manual to incorporate changes in job titles of WCB staff performing registration, analysis, and account maintenance functions in the Assessment Department. The amendments primarily reflect the establishment of the Employer Service Centre staffed by employer services representatives.
For further information on this issue, please contact Paul Krismer at 604 244-6322 or toll free within B.C. at 1 800 661-2112, local 6322.
You may also examine the complete resolution.