Guiding Principles

WCAT's operations are governed by Part 4 of the WCA, sections 231 to 260, which set out the structure and jurisdiction of WCAT, the limits of our responsibilities and functions, and the principles to be applied when we make decisions. These include:

• We will provide a decision with reasons within 180 days from the date that WorkSafeBC gives us a copy of their file. If an appeal is complicated, this time frame may be extended.
• We must apply the policies of WorkSafeBC's board of director's unless the policy is completely inconsistent with the WCA.
• We must follow our own precedent decisions unless the decision involved different circumstances.
• If the evidence is evenly balanced on a compensation issue, we must decide the issue in favour of the worker. On assessment and prevention issues, WCAT will make its decisions on a balance of probabilities.
• Our decisions are final and conclusive.

WCAT will strive to provide:

• Predictable, consistent, and efficient decision making;
• Independent and impartial decision making
• Succinct, understandable, and high quality decisions
• Consistency with the WCA, policy, and our precedent decisions
• Communication within the workers' compensation system while safeguarding WCAT's independence
• Integration and communication within the workers' compensation system
• Accountability through performance management
• Appropriate balance between efficiency (timeliness and stewardship of scarce resources) and effectiveness (quality decision making)
• Prompt, knowledgeable and responsive client service
• Interpretive guidance for the workers' compensation system