In the Media
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PICS and WorkSafeBC Collaborate to Offer Services to Community
Surrey, BC – For over 23 years, PICS Society has been serving the needs of the immigrant community through an active pursuit of social welfare and social change. The Society, under the committed leadership of tireless social activist Charan Gill, has researched and developed comprehensive programs and services to improve the quality of life of all members of society. PICS has proudly served as an wide-ranging resource for immigrants needing assistance with issues such as settlement struggles, job search assistance, language classes and housing.
In response to a need in the community to better respond to client questions regarding WorkSafeBC issues, PICS has partnered with WorkSafeBC and created a two part solution: a WorkSafeBC “Cultural Navigator” joining the PICS staff and a WorkSafeBC Resource Room. The Cultural Navigator will provide WorkSafeBC related support to the community, and has been trained to assist with basic WorkSafeBC processes and issues. The scope of this service includes walking the community through assorted WorkSafeBC health and safety materials, assisting with tasks such as explaining rights and responsibilities, describing the claim submission process, assisting with filing a claim, answering questions related to WorkSafeBC communications, and providing recommendations regarding return to work options.
Says Charan Gill, CEO of PICS, “In the past, there has been a cultural fear of WorkSafeBC due to a lack of knowledge regarding health and safety rights and responsibilities. For newcomers to Canada, or even those who have been in Canada for years, it is sometime difficult to understand the claims procedure, how to complete forms, and how to file an appeal. Our new services will help the community in their communications and understanding of WorkSafeBC.”
In addition to a Cultural Navigator, PICS’ Surrey office is now home to a WorkSafeBC Resource Room. This room includes a computer with WorkSafeBC links embedded in the desktop, as well as a large screen TV and DVD player with a library of WorkSafeBC multi media publications. The room will be used by the Cultural Navigator when providing advice and support to clients regarding WorkSafeBC claims and prevention issues.
“The benefits of a consolidation of WorkSafeBC resources are an increased ease of access by PICS members and increased awareness, and trust, of WorkSafeBC. PICS clients will now have an on-site PICS staff member provide WorkSafeBC related advice and support, which will hopefully increase our community’s knowledge of health and safety issues. This information will go far in prevention of workplace accidents,” says Gill.
The WorkSafeBC Resource Room, located at Unit 205, 12725 – 80th Avenue in Surrey BC, is open Mon-Friday between the hours of 8:30 – 4:30. The Cultural Navigator is available to answer any WorkSafeBC related questions on Fridays. Appointments can be made by calling Mr. Gurpreet Pabla at 604 596 7722.
In addition to a Cultural Navigator, PICS’ Surrey office is now home to a WorkSafeBC Resource Room. This room includes a computer with WorkSafeBC links embedded in the desktop, as well as a large screen TV and DVD player with a library of WorkSafeBC multi media publications. The room will be used by the Cultural Navigator when providing advice and support to clients regarding WorkSafeBC claims and prevention issues.
“The benefits of a consolidation of WorkSafeBC resources are an increased ease of access by PICS members and increased awareness, and trust, of WorkSafeBC. PICS clients will now have an on-site PICS staff member provide WorkSafeBC related advice and support, which will hopefully increase our community’s knowledge of health and safety issues. This information will go far in prevention of workplace accidents,” says Gill.
The WorkSafeBC Resource Room, located at Unit 205, 12725 – 80th Avenue in Surrey BC, is open Mon-Friday between the hours of 8:30 – 4:30. The Cultural Navigator is available to answer any WorkSafeBC related questions on Fridays. Appointments can be made by calling Mr. Gurpreet Pabla at 604 596 7722.
(604) 596-7722