Item AAAB5179 - Harold Berry interview

CALL NUMBER: T4007:0001 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Workers' Compensation Board of BC history : silicosis PERIOD COVERED: 1936-1950 RECORDED: Vancouver (B.C.), 1978-04-19 & 26 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Schooling and jobs prior to joining Board. Responsibilities of silicosis clerk. Tasks involved in organizing silicosis section. Discussion of admissibility of claims. Interprovincial problems;. Discussion of silicosis disability awards. Considerations given to miners. Appeal procedures. Tysoe Report criticism. TRACK 2: Adjudication problems in silicosis. Board efforts successful in reducing silicosis and providing compensation. Mr. Berry's duties in medical aid section. Origins and growth of rehabilitation clinic. Brief descriptions of Dr. Ney, Dr. Murphy, Bert Rutledge, W. Meston. Concept of accident fund as a trust fund. E.S.H. Winn's approach to staff salaries. Salaries were low. Worked overtime without pay. Staff numbers held down, hurts adjudication process. CALL NUMBER: T4007:0002 SUPPLIED TITLE OF TAPE(S): Workers' Compensation Board of BC history PERIOD COVERED: 1950-1974 RECORDED: Vancouver (B.C.), 1978-04-19 & 26 SUMMARY: TRACK 1: Feelings about salary level. Role of Medical referee in silicosis claims. Stevenson-Kellogg Report and reorganization of claims department. Functions claims department. Purpose of disability awards unit. Role of supervisors. Advent of medical aid unit. Physiotherapy claims unit. Effect of area office on claims adjudication. Discussion of amalgamation of claims and rehabilitation. Changes in review procedures. TRACK 2: Discussion of Tysoe Report recommendations on review boards. Disagrees with Boards of review established in 1973. Pros and cons of providing reasons for rejection of claims. Discussion of roles of compensation consultant and claims advisory service. Difficulties with hearing loss claims. Succeeding commissioners have impact on claims adjudication. Discussion on health insurance. Liberalization trend in adjudication.