Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) - Alberta

To Whom Does This Apply?

WCB Coverage Available to all Businesses

The Workers' Compensation Board (WCB)-Alberta  is a not-for-profit corporation legislated to administer the workers' compensation system for the province. Through the payment of premiums, employers fund this no-fault system that provides compensation for workplace injuries and occupational diseases to workers.

In Alberta , the majority of employers are required by law to have workers’ compensation insurance for all of their workers, and must notify the WCB within 15 days of hiring their first worker. (A worker includes full-time, part-time, temporary and casual staff, as well as family members providing a service for your business.)

In the event of a work-related injury the WCB will cover medical expenses, provide wage replacement and in some cases may cover rehabilitation services.

Businesses in exempt industries can purchase optional coverage and enjoy the same benefits.

Summary

Personal Coverage
Employers who purchase workers' compensation insurance for their employees are not automatically personally protected. To protect yourself, apply for optional Personal Coverage. With Personal Coverage you gain all the benefits of workers' compensation insurance.

Injured Worker Benefits
The WCB helps workers injured on the job to return to work safely. It provides benefits and services to based on 90% of a worker's net earnings to a yearly maximum. See the WCB website for more information on the benefits of coverage.

Employers' Responsibilities
An employer's responsibilities are to maintain an account and pay premiums, to work with employees to prevent injuries and illness, to report injuries when they do occur, and help injured workers return to work. The legislation in Alberta requires employers to establish WCB coverage within 15 days of first hiring workers. Contact the WCB to find out if you should have an account.

WCB Premiums
The WCB collects premiums from employers to cover the costs of insuring work-related injuries. A premium rate is the amount you pay per $100 of insurable payroll and is set annually based on the average losses in your industry and your company's accident experience. All employer accounts are subject to a minimum charge. Participation in programs e.g. Partners in Injury Reduction (PIR ) program help employers reduce workplace injury and illness and provide WCB premium rebates.

WCB Services
The WCB has many services to assist employers in managing their account including consulting services, free educational workshops, numerous publications, a website, employer newsletter, and other information services.

If you have any questions about opening a WCB account in a mandatory or exempt industry, or if you would like further information on Personal Coverage, visit our website at www.wcb.ab.ca or call our Customer Contact Centre at the numbers listed below

• Employment Standards
• Occupational Health and Safety

DISCLAIMER
Information contained in this section is of a general nature only and is not intended to constitute advice for any specific fact situation. For particular questions, the users are invited to contact their lawyer. For additional information, see contact(s) listed below.

Alberta Contact(s):
Workers' Compensation Board
300 6th Avenue, S.E.
Calgary, Alberta  T2G 0G5
Telephone: (403) 517-6000
Fax: (403) 517-6201
Toll-free (information): 1-866-922-9221
E-mail: contactcentre@wcb.ab.ca
Hours of operation: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., weekdays