WSIAT Practice Directions and other Documents

Types of WSIAT Documents

To help parties understand the appeal process and their roles and responsibilities, we have the following documents and information

• Practice Directions
• Guides and Guidelines
• Checklists
• Appeal Process Information
• Forms

Most of our documents are written in plain language to promote access to justice. In some of our documents, legal or technical language may be used as needed.

Each type of WSIAT document has a different purpose.

Practice Directions

Our practice directions set out the practices and procedures for WSIAT appeals and applications. The practice directions are set out in the order they normally apply, but the order may be different in some appeals or applications. Not every practice direction applies in every appeal.

The practice directions are divided into the following parts

• The Pre-Hearing Appeal Process
• The Hearing
• Post-Hearing
• Representatives
• Tribunal – General
• Technical Practice Directions

Each practice direction starts by explaining what information it covers. At the end of each practice direction you will find a “References and Resources” section. This section outlines the legislative authority for the practice direction and any related practice directions you may want to review. Some practice directions include WSIAT or court decisions which provide more detail about a statement in the practice direction.

Guides and Guidelines

We have Guides and Guidelines on different topics. Guides and Guidelines can

• provide more details on best practices for certain issues
• set out the normal procedure the WSIAT follows
• set out the factors the WSIAT uses in deciding certain issues

Checklists

We have Checklists on different topics to

• remind parties of things to be done or sent to us
• reduce problems and delays

Appeal Process Information

We have information about the Appeal Process which is available on our website. This information helps a party understand and move through their WSIAT appeal from the start to the end.

WSIAT Forms

We have forms for you to use to

• start an appeal
• change your address
• authorize your representative
• prepare for a hearing
• claim expenses
• request WSIAT recordings
• request a reconsideration of a WSIAT decision

These forms can be completed electronically and e-filed.

You can also print the form and send it to us by courier, mail or deliver it in person.

If you need forms or information in an accessible format, please Contact Us or the Accessibility Coordinator.

Is the WSIAT required to follow Practice Directions and other documents in every case?

Our practice directions are binding. This means that we must follow our practice directions. We may waive or modify our practice directions in exceptional circumstances.

Guides and Guidelines, checklists and appeal process information documents are not binding but we’ll usually follow them.

We must interpret and apply WSIAT documents so that

• the appeal process is simple, quick and fair
• we consider the parties’ particular circumstances
• every party can participate in the appeal process, even if they do not have a representative
• the appeal process is flexible and appropriate for what we must decide in each appeal