Reporting workplace incidents: In your best interest!

You may be thinking it won’t happen to me – and we hope not but if it does, be prepared!

We all have a responsibility in contributing to a safe workplace by ensuring workplace incidents are reported accurately and in a timely manner. But this isn’t the only reason you should follow the three step incident reporting process, it is in your best interest to do so! For example, if an incident causes a workplace injury, you may be eligible for benefits and Workplace Health support services but this requires timely and accurate reporting of specific situational information.

What is the three step process?

1. Call the Workplace Health Call Centre (WHCC) at 1-866-922-9464 to report your incident as soon as possible. This step should be done after you seek first aid or medical attention as required and notify your Manager or Supervisor. WHCC Hours of operation are Monday – Friday 0700 -1700. After hours messages can be left on voicemail.
   Incidents that have to be reported include: work related injury, exposure to biological or chemical substances, near miss, violent/aggressive incident, threat and psychological trauma.
2. If the incident means you need first aide, see a physician or will be off work, call the WorkSafeBC teleclaim centre at 604-231-8888 or 1-888-967-5377. Hours of operation are Monday – Friday 0800 – 1600. Please note that this reporting step is required in addition to calling the WHCC as WorkSafeBC needs specific information to process your claim.
3.  If the incident causes you to miss time from work, call the Absence Call Line at 1-866-924-4297 and follow the prompts (choose option #2 for injury at work).

The three step incident reporting process ensures all parties have the information they need to process your claim and offer support services as necessary. This reporting process is also available on the Workplace Health intranet site.
If you have any questions about workplace incidents, please email:VCHWorkAbilityEnquiries@vch.ca.