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Policy decisions finalized at the July 19, 1999 WCB Panel of Administrators meeting
The following is a summary of the policy decisions finalized by the WCB Panel of Administrators on July 19, 1999. For information about the function and mandate of the Panel, please see Governing Structure.
Policies to Implement the Amendment Act (Bill 14)
Bill 14 — the Workers Compensation (Occupational Health and Safety) Amendment Act, 1998, generally came into force on October 1, 1999. The occupational health and safety provisions of the Workers Compensation Act have been replaced by a new Part 3 — Occupational Health and Safety. The Workplace Act has also been repealed.
The major areas covered by the new Part 3 are:
- Board mandate
- General duties
- Joint committees and worker representatives
- Prohibition against discriminatory action
- Enforcement and administrative penalties
- Reviews and appeals
The Panel of Administrators has approved policies to implement new Part 3. In doing so, the Panel has also approved a revised policy manual format that sets out more clearly each policy, the statutory authority for the policy and any Prevention Division practice flowing from the policy. The new policies are set out in a new Prevention Manual that incorporates the revised format.
The policies will undergo a general review in two years after the WCB has gained experience in administering Part 3. Individual policies may be reviewed sooner as appropriate.
The new policies came into effect on October 1, 1999.
For further information on this issue, please contact Nick Attewell at 604-273-2266, local 2618 or toll free within BC at 1-800-661-2112, local 2618.
You may also examine the complete resolution.
Establishment of a Structure to Oversee Research
At its June 15, 1999 meeting, the Panel of Administrators gave approval in principle to the establishment of a Research Secretariat to oversee the income stream from a $30 million reserve that was set aside for research in 1998. The purpose of the Secretariat is to bring the necessary focus and governance to research and the related expenditures and to ensure accountable, continued scientific study as well as dissemination and application of research outcomes.
At its July 19, 1999 meeting, the Panel approved the structure of the Research Secretariat. The Secretariat will report to the Panel through the Panel Chair and will comprise a Director and a small complement of existing WCB staff. The Secretariat will review proposals, support the work of a Research Advisory Committee (composed of worker and employer representatives) and ensure strong links with the research community and other research organizations. See Appendix A of Resolution 990712-01 for more detail on the structure of the Secretariat.
The operation of the Secretariat will be reviewed in 36 months to ensure that it is effective in bringing about the necessary focus, accountability and governance to research and the related expenditures.
For further information on the Research Secretariat, please contact Sheri Wynne at 604 276-5160 or toll free within BC at 1-800-661-2112, local 5160.
You may also examine the complete resolution.