Organization encouraging workers, employers to ensure access
The British Columbia government has declared a provincial state of emergency due to wildfires, and WorkSafeBC is encouraging workers and employers to take steps to ensure they are able to continue accessing services, and stay healthy and safe during this time.
The organization is encouraging those who receive payments to sign up for direct deposit so they can continue to do so in the event of mail delivery disruptions due to the wildfires.
This applies to an injured worker who is receiving monthly benefit cheques or short-term disability payments from WorkSafeBC or payments from WorkSafeBC’s Vocational Rehabilitation Services, and a family member of a deceased worker and receiving survivor benefits.
Workers can learn how to easily and quickly sign up for direct deposit online here.
Meanwhile, workers who have been displaced by the wildfires and are awaiting payment from WorkSafeBC can call the organization’s Claims Call Centre at 604.231.8888 or toll-free at 1.888.922.8807.
Meanwhile, those accessing treatment programs should talk to health care providers and claims officers – or call WorkSafeBC’s Claims Call Centre for those who you don't have their officer's contact info – to discuss options if treatment programs, or your ability to travel to treatment programs, are affected by the wildfires.
Last month, the Saskatchewan Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) announced it is looking for input from injured workers and employers as it tries to improve its services for customers.
Payroll and premiums
For employers who want to ensure they are able to report payroll and pay premiums in the event of mail delivery disruptions due to the wildfires, they can sign up for WorkSafeBC’s employer online services.
Employers can learn more about signing up through this video or these instructions.
“If you are an employer who has been displaced by the wildfires and are unable to receive your quarterly Employer Payroll and Payment Form, please call our Employer Service Centre at 1.888.922.2768,” according to WorkSafeBC.
WorkSafeBC has also shared resources related to wildfires, available here and here.
