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Policy decisions finalized in July 2002

The following resolutions were finalized by the WCB Panel of Administrators in July 2002. For information about the function and mandate of the Panel, please see Governing Structure.

Amendments to Part 33 of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation relating to examination and certification of Level 2 and 3 Occupational First Aid Attendants

The Panel of Administrators has approved amendments to Part 33 of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation (OHSR) which enable comprehensive examination and certification of Occupational First Aid Attendants by organizations external to the WCB. The amendments do not change substantive requirements for the provision of first aid services, supplies and facilities. The amendments come into force 90 days after deposit with the Registrar of Regulations.

The Board has given notice and held a public hearing on these amendments in accordance with Section 226(1) of the Workers Compensation Act.

These amendments are part of an on-going review of the OHSR.

For further information on this issue, please contact Nick Attewell at 604 273-2266, local 2618, or toll free within BC at 1 888 621-7233, local 2618.

You may also examine the complete resolution. (PDF 287kb)

Average Earnings - Exceptional Circumstances

The Panel of Administrators has approved an amendment to the Board's policy on exceptional circumstances, as provided in policy item #67.60 of the Rehabilitation Services & Claims Manual, Volume II.

With respect to exceptional circumstances, the Board's previous policy provided that particular types of workers had exceptional circumstances that would make the application of section 33.1(2) of the Workers Compensation Act inequitable.

Upon reconsideration, the Panel of Administrators has determined that it is more appropriate to define the inequity that results from the application of section 33.1(2) and to provide specific criteria for determining exceptional circumstances. The policy defines inequity. The inequity is that the level of compensation calculated does not best reflect the worker's long-term loss of earnings. In making this determination, "best" does not mean the highest level of compensation possible, but rather, that the level of compensation reflects the actual loss incurred by the worker. The policy further provides three criteria to be applied to determine if a worker's circumstances are exceptional.

For further information on this issue, please contact Titia MacKay at 604-276-3095, or toll free at 1 888 967 5377, local 8650.

You may also examine the complete resolution. (PDF 144kb)

Policies in Regard to the Workers Compensation Amendment Act, 2002
Permanent Disability Awards and Retirement Benefits

The Panel of Administrators has approved policy amendments in response to the Workers Compensation Amendment Act, 2002 ("Amendment Act, 2002"). These policy amendments reflect the legislative changes to the provisions relating to permanent total and permanent partial disability awards, and the duration of permanent disability periodic payments.

In addition, the Panel of Administrators approved new policies in response to the Amendment Act, 2002 to provide for retirement benefits. The new policies address the establishment and management of the amounts set aside and contributed toward a retirement benefit as well as the payment of retirement benefits to permanently disabled workers.

These new provisions will also result in a significant number of consequential changes throughout the Rehabilitation Services & Claims Manual.

To examine the Panel Resolution and related Appendices, please use the links below.

Panel Resolution (PDF 72kb)

  
Substantive changes: Consequential changes:
For further information on this issue, please contact James Watson at 604 231-8650 or toll free within B.C. at 1 888 967-5377, local 8650.

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