What is an important function of the Workers' Compensation Board (WCB)?

One of the key responsibilities of the Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) is to oversee administrative hearings and litigation related to workers’ compensation claims. This function is crucial because it ensures that there is a formal process in place for dispute resolution between claimants and insurance carriers or employers. In cases where there are disagreements about the outcome of a claim—such as denial of benefits, the level of compensation, or eligibility—the WCB provides a structured forum where the parties can present evidence and arguments in support of their positions.

By handling these administrative hearings, the WCB not only facilitates fair and impartial adjudication of claims but also upholds the rights of injured workers to seek redress under the workers' compensation system. This function emphasizes the legal aspect of workers' compensation, making it integral to the overall administration of the program.

The other options, while related to the functions of the workers' compensation system, do not capture the specific role of the WCB in overseeing the legal and administrative processes associated with disputes. Administering claims payments, processing medical requests, and conducting workplace safety inspections are all essential functions, but they are typically handled by other entities or components of the workers' compensation framework rather than by the WCB itself in a judicial capacity.