WCB Level 1
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM PST This is a virtual event
This course provides a basic overview of the Workers’ Compensation system as it applies to workers who are injured or develop an occupation disease on the job. The course will look at the law and policy, how decisions are made by the WCB, and how the appeal system works for those who have to argue an appeal. We will look at the practical realities faced by injured workers trying to navigate the minefield of workers’ compensation and it appellate systems.
Zoom – Zoom link will be forwarded 1-2 days prior to workshop
Facilitators: Sarah O’Leary and Caitlin O’Leary
Sarah O’Leary was called to the bar in 1981 and has primarily been practicing Workers’ Compensation and disability related law for over 30 years. She has been a workers’ advisor, a Vice-Chair at the Appeal Division, a staff lawyer at a major health care union, and practiced for 16 years at Rush Crane Guenther and Harrison O’Leary LLP. She is currently in private practice in Vancouver. Sarah has been teaching workers’ compensation advocacy to labour unions for over three decades.
Caitlin O’Leary has been a dedicated advocate for ill and injured workers since 2012. With over eight years of experience in advocacy at a major healthcare union, Caitlin brings a strong background in navigating complex systems on behalf of workers. Her expertise also includes health and welfare benefits policy, strategic communications, and member engagement. She is currently a workers’ advocate at O’Leary Law, representing unionized workers in their Workers’ Compensation claims.