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WorkSafeBC

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Your rights

Your right to claim

You have the right to report any workplace injury or disease. If, at the time you're injured, you need an ambulance or transportation from your workplace to your doctor's office or the hospital, your employer is required to pay those costs.

It is the law for your employer to report any workplace injury or disease to WorkSafeBC. Telling you not to report an injury or disease, or even trying to talk you out of reporting to WorkSafeBC, is against the law.

Your right to appeal decisions

If your claim or an aspect of your claim is not accepted by WorkSafeBC, we will send you a letter explaining the reasons and a brochure explaining the appeal process. If you don't understand the decision or the reasons behind it, contact the WorkSafeBC staff member who wrote the letter. You have a right to appeal a claim if you still object to the decision.

Your rights to access and privacy

You have a right to see your WorkSafeBC claim file and all records about your claim at any time. Your claim file and its contents will not be disclosed to anyone unless you request it. However, if you or your employer begin an appeal, your file becomes available to both of you. You may request a copy of information in your claim file and other information about you that may be located apart from your claim file.

Your right to impartial advice and to make decisions

There are several ways to get advice or make complaints:

  • Workers' Advisers Office – If you disagree with a WorkSafeBC decision or you want independent advice, workers' advisers are available at no cost to you.
  • WorkSafeBC Complaints Office – If you feel you have been treated unfairly by WorkSafeBC, you may contact the WorkSafeBC Complaints Office, who will work with you to resolve your complaint or concern.
  • Ombudsman of B.C. – If you have a complaint about the way you have been treated by WorkSafeBC, you may contact the provincial ombudsman.

Your rights when a third party is involved

If you're injured on the job and the cause was someone who is neither a worker nor an employer, you can choose to sue for damages rather than claiming compensation from WorkSafeBC. However, you cannot sue an employer or a fellow worker. For information contact your nearest WorkSafeBC office.

If your injury is the result of a crime, you may be able to apply for crime victim assistance. For information, call the Ministry of Public Safety and the Solicitor General's toll-free victims information line at 1 800-563-0808.