Table 1
REASONS FOR NOT APPLYING FOR WCB WAGE-LOSS BENEFITS
%
Lack of knowledge
I did not know I was entitled to WCB wage-loss benefits I did not know how to apply for WCB wage-loss benefits
28.6%
A
16.6%
B
Skilled and Trained Certified Millwrights Machinists Welders Apprentices
40.1%
Either A or B
My employer told me I was not eligible for WCB wage-loss benefits
6.9%
C
Working and Building BC Pulp and Paper Hydro Electric Power Generation Mining Industries
Not worth time
It was not worth the trouble to apply for WCB wage-loss benefits
20.3%
D
0.5%
My injury was minor/not serious
E
Millwrights, Machine Erectors and Maintenance Local Union 2736 #102-580 EBURY PLACE DELTA, BC V3M 6M8 604-525-2736
My employer or my sick leave plan paid my wages while I was off work
17.5%
F
Any of D, E, or F 35.9% Real or perceived inducements or pressure not to claim
Business Manager - Miro Maras Training Coordinator -Carey Simpson info@millwrights2736.com
@millwrights2736 Millwrights Union Local 2736 www.millwrights2736.com
I thought I would get into trouble if I reported my injury to WCB My employer pressured me not apply for WCB benefits
7.8%
G
4.1%
H
11.9%
Either G or H
My fellow employees encouraged me not to apply for WCB benefits because they feared they would lose a bonus
3.2%
J
14.3%
Any of G, H or J
21.6%
Other reasons
participated in incentive schemes. All considered, the report reveals some important data (I say “data” instead of “facts” because this report is based on a relatively small sample – only 699 workers – and notes a wide ambit for error). To begin with, claim suppression in British Columbia ranges from 3.7 to 13.0 per cent, with the lower number being the more likely. Secondly, claim suppression is not the leading reason for under-claiming. Lack of knowledge of entitlement or application procedures (40 per cent), and not believing it is worth the time (36 per cent) are the most common reasons. Thirdly, claim suppression is higher with employers who administer bonus plans for accident-free workplaces. Last but not least, half the workers surveyed who injured themselves at work did not submit a claim for WCB benefits. This data provides food for thought.
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