Workers' Compensation Board

WCB Claims and Support

The Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) reviews claims for work-related injuries and illnesses and determines eligibility for benefits and support.

A WCB Adjudicator or Case Manager will work with you throughout your recovery, help coordinate treatment and services as needed, and support your return-to-work planning.

Within 24 hours of an incident:

  1. Report the injury or illness to your leader 
  2. Seek medical attention (if needed). You may visit an Occupational Injury Service Clinic coordinated through Ability Management or receive care from the healthcare provider of your choice. 
  3. Communicate any medical restrictions or limitations to your supervisor and Ability Management.
    Tip: Ask your healthcare provider to complete a Functional Abilities Form.
  4. Complete a WCB Worker Report online or using the printable form. 

What happens next?

  • Supervisors must document the incident by completing an OARS report. 
  • Ability Management will submit the WCB Employer Report based on the OARS information and communication with supervisor.

WCB reviews your claim and determines eligibility for benefits. You will be notified of the decision and any available supports. 

  • If approved, WCB will support your recovery and return to work in collaboration with you, your healthcare provider, your leader, and Ability Management. 
  • If declined, contact Ability Management and your leader to discuss next steps as a TELUS Health referral may be required. Our goal is to support your recovery and help you return to work safely and successfully. Edit this block

When you're ready to return to work, you'll work with your supervisor and support team to develop a safe return-to-work plan. Depending on your situation, this may include modified duties, alternate work arrangements, workplace accommodations, or a Modified Work Agreement. 

WCB Process for all Faculty and Staff

The following are instructions and forms to help guide you in completing the WCB process:

Get Informed

Worker handbook cover

Worker Handbook

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Employer handbook cover

Employer Handbook

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OIS Guide cover

Occupational Injury Service Guide

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More WCB Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

All employees (including contract) of the University of Calgary are covered under the no-fault WCB legislation.

Students who are injured on campus are covered through the Alberta Government, and should report all lost time injuries to the Student Union Wellness Centre and to the WCB.

If you have had an injury or illness that you believe to be work related, it should always be reported to your supervisor or department/Faculty administrator as well as to the WCB. This would be defined as any injury that occurs during work hours or as a result of a work requirement.

Any work-related injury or illness that results in:

  • lost time – or probable lost time - beyond the day of accident
  • the need for medical treatment beyond first aid (i.e. assessment by physician, physiotherapist, chiropractor)
  • a temporary or permanent change in your ability to perform the regular duties of your job
  • incurring medical aid expenses (i.e. dental treatment, eyeglass repair/replacement, prescription medications)

There are some conditions or situations where an injury will not be considered work related. Examples of injuries that would not be covered by WCB include:

  • Pre-existing or unrelated health issues such as diabetes, arthritis, old sports injuries etc. However, if you have a pre-existing condition and a work-related injury worsens your condition you may be eligible for benefits while you recover. Contact Staff Wellness for further information
  • Traveling to and from work - If you are involved in a motor vehicle accident while traveling on your regular commute to and from the University, you are not covered by WCB. However, some exceptions can apply. Contact Staff Wellness for further information

Yes - Alberta WCB coverage applies to university employees who continue to perform work for the university outside of the province (generally for up to one year of continuous employment).

If you are hiring a contractor or a subcontractor, you are responsible for obtaining a WBC clearance certificate before work commences and before any payment is made. The letter advises you if a contractor or subcontractor has a valid WCB-Alberta account and if that account is in good standing. The certificate clears University of Calgary of workplace accident liability for them.

To Obtain a WCB Clearance Letter

  1. Visit the WCB-Alberta Direct Employer Clearance Certificates page.
  2. Add a subcontractor to the list by searching by company name and hitting add. This will bring up a new window.
  3. In the new window, check the box beside the company’s name and hit the ‘Add Accounts and Review Lists’ button. Close that window.
  4. Back in the ‘Subcontractor List’ tab, check the box beside the company’s name.
  5. Write down or copy the company’s account number.
  6. Click on the ‘Submit Clearance Request’ tab at the top of the page.
  7. Paste or type the company’s account number in the top left.
  8. Make sure that the principle destination box and the corresponding email box are checked.
  9. Type in your email address under the principle destination.
  10. You can view the clearance letter and then hit send to get it sent directly to your email.