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Workers with Disabilities Committee

Workplace injury and WCB support

If you've been injured at work or developed an illness because of your job, you have rights — and navigating WorkSafeBC (WCB) can be complicated. Your union can help.

First steps

If you're injured at work

1

Report your injury to your employer immediately—delays can affect your claim and your rights.

2

Seek medical attention and tell your doctor the injury happened at work so it is properly documented.

3

File a claim with WorkSafeBC as soon as possible—there are time limits for filing.

4

Contact your steward—they can support you through the claims process and make sure your rights are protected.

Benefits

What WorkSafeBC covers

WorkSafeBC provides benefits for workers injured on the job, including:

  • Wage loss benefits if you cannot work
  • Coverage for medical treatment and rehabilitation
  • Vocational rehabilitation if you cannot return to your previous job
  • Permanent disability benefits if your injury has lasting effects

Return to work

Your employer's obligations

As of January 2024, B.C. employers have new legal duties to cooperate with injured workers returning to work. Employers with 20 or more workers must accommodate injured workers to the point of undue hardship.

Your steward can help ensure your employer is meeting these obligations and that your return-to-work plan is fair and appropriate for your situation.

If your claim is denied

Appealing a WCB decision

You have the right to appeal a WorkSafeBC decision. Time limits apply, so contact your steward or union office as soon as possible if your claim is denied or your benefits are reduced.

Mental health

Mental health and workplace injury

WorkSafeBC may cover mental health conditions caused or worsened by work—including trauma, burnout and PTSD. Talk to your steward if you're unsure whether your situation qualifies.

LTD and appeals

Long-term disability and WCB appeals

The BCGEU maintains a dedicated page with documents and information to help members navigate long-term disability claims and WCB appeals.

Note: Some documents below are for direct government employees only. Please check the document description before using.

Available for all members

LTD and WCB appeals—full resource page Duty to Accommodate—Info Sheet Duty to Accommodate—Intake Form

Direct government employees only

Government LTD application FAQ LTD appeal FAQs Union role in LTD files What is "TD OWN" vs "TD ANY"? STIIP LTD RHC CT combined infographic Claim assessment and questions for doctor Crisis and doctor resources LTD—ANY occupation appeal information

Short term disability programs

STIIP (Direct Government) CBA—Short Term Disability CSSBA—Short Term Disability General sick leave info

Need help with a WCB claim or return-to-work plan? Contact your steward or area office right away—time limits may apply.

Find your steward

Acknowledgement

This page is maintained by the BCGEU Workers with Disabilities Committee, with feedback and input from committee members.

This is a living resource — we welcome your feedback and will continue to update this page as member needs evolve. To suggest additions or changes, email [email protected].