Access & privacy
As a public body, the WCB is subject to the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FOIPP) Act. This legislation allows people to request access to WCB records and governs how the WCB collects and uses personal information.
Access to assessment files
As an employer, you can request a copy of your employer assessment file and any file updates by filling out the Request for Release of Employer Assessment File - Form E. The WCB will provide you with this information free of charge.
Before releasing any information, the WCB will make sure that employer assessment information is disclosed only to authorized individuals whose identity has been verified.
For more information on accessing assessment files, please see Access to Employer Assessment File Information (POL-18).
Access to worker claim information
As an employer, you may be provided with access to your worker’s claim file documents, if all the following criteria are met:
- An issue in dispute is identified.
- The employer has direct interest in the issue.
- The request is in writing – you can submit an Employer's Request for Worker Claim File and Authorization form.
If the request meets the criteria, the WCB will provide you with the information it determines to be relevant to the issue in dispute, free of charge. The WCB will make sure that only the information relevant to the issue is released. Where sensitive medical information is involved, the WCB will ensure that family or social details or history, specific pre-existing conditions, and other information that is not work-related is not included in the file.
Employers can only use claim information to address the disputed issue. It cannot be used for any other purpose.
The worker will be advised in writing when claim file documents are being provided to their employer.
For more information on accessing worker claim information, please see Access to Worker Claim Information (POL-04).
For access to other types of information, please contact us to be referred to the appropriate WCB division. If the division is unable to provide the requested information, you may submit an access to information request under the FOIPP Act.
To make a formal request for access to information, complete the online request form or submit an Access to Information form to the WCB FOIPP Coordinator.
There is a $5 fee for requests for information other than your personal information, and we will let you know if there are any other fees before we process your request.
Please note that some information is protected under the FOIPP Act and cannot be released. This includes other people’s personal information or confidential business information. Each request is carefully reviewed to determine what information can be provided.
Protection of privacy
The WCB handles information to provide services related to compensation claims and benefits, help injured workers recover and return to work, manage employer accounts, and support workplace safety initiatives. The WCB is entrusted with sensitive and personal information and we are committed to maintaining the security, privacy and accuracy of this information.
The WCB protects privacy by limiting the collection, use and disclosure of personal information to the purposes authorized by, or consistent with, the Workers Compensation Act, the Occupational Health and Safety Act and other relevant legislation. We have physical, technological and administrative security measures in place to protect this information from unauthorized access and make reasonable efforts to ensure the accuracy of the information in our care. Under the FOIPP Act, you have the right to request a correction to the personal information the WCB holds about you.
If you have a concern about the WCB's protection of your personal information or would like to request a correction, please contact your case manager or the WCB FOIPP Coordinator.
Requests for review
If you are not satisfied with the way the WCB has provided access to information or handled your personal information, please contact the WCB FOIPP Coordinator. You may also request a review by the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner.
Questions
If you have any questions about access to information or privacy, please contact the WCB FOIPP Coordinator.
Email
accessandprivacy@wcb.pe.ca
Phone
902-368-5562 or toll-free 1-800-237-5049 in Atlantic Canada
Fax
902-368-6359