Many of our changes in this time period reflected the evolution of the workplace as it related to women and people with disabilities, and the expansion of industry throughout B.C.

We made it a priority to raise awareness of workplace health and safety issues through education campaigns, which included teaming up with Raymond Burr and Rick Hansen to highlight the abilities of people with disabilities.

To reflect our evolution, our logo changed twice — in 1968, our new logo featured hands protecting a worker and then in 1983, it was updated to incorporate our hands around the province. We also changed our name from the Workmen's Compensation Board to the Workers' Compensation Board in 1974 to better represent women in the workplace.

As the province grew, so did our service. We expanded to 14 area offices. Our Vancouver rehabilitation centre was so successful, we built a larger facility in Richmond in 1978, followed by a new head office there in 1982.

Legislative changes included a new Board of Review to reduce wait times in claim appeals, and a reduced waiting period for time-loss claim, from three days to the day of injury — a policy that's still in place today. Through all these changes, people were still getting hurt on the job and safety remained our first priority.

Learn more: Watch a video of highlights from 1967-1991

Highlights

1968 A completely re-written Workers Compensation Act passes in the legislature, resulting in significant changes. The new rules simplify accident claims, cover volunteer workers, and shift the onus onto us to disprove a claim rather than require a worker to prove a claim. We establish our first Board of Review to hear appeals on claims.

1969 New offices open in Nanaimo, Prince Rupert, Terrace, and Kamloops. Offices in Victoria, Prince George, Vernon, and Nelson expand.

1972 The waiting period for a time-loss claim drops from three days to the day of the injury. A new area office opens in Fort St. John.

1973 Our 11th area office opens in Courtenay.

1974 We change our name from the Workmen's Compensation Board to the Workers' Compensation Board.

1978 We open the Leslie R. Peterson Rehabilitation Centre in Richmond.

1980 Construction begins on our new administration building in Richmond. It is completed in 1982.

1987 Around-the-world ambassador Rick Hansen kicks off a new public awareness campaign with us.

1988 An emphasis on worker safety launches with a public awareness campaign on alcohol and drug abuse in the workplace. Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) is introduced.

1989 New legislation, Bill 27, is passed to create a Board of Governors to replace the former system of commissioners, starting in 1991. Kenneth M. Dye, former auditor-general of the federal government, is hired as our president and CEO and Jim Dorsey, lawyer and arbitrator, is appointed first chair of the Board of Governors.