Workers' Compensation Board

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, volunteers or unpaid workers, contract workers who are not covered by another employer’s workers’ compensation, subcontractors who are considered by WCB to be your worker, as well as family members providing a service for your business.)

If an employer is operating in an exempt industry under Schedule A of the Workers’ Compensation General regulations, coverage is optional. These employers may apply for voluntary coverage for their workers. Employers who purchase workers' compensation insurance for their employees are not automatically personally protected. Personal Coverage is also available for proprietors.

partners and directors on a voluntary basis. There are many benefits to this coverage including protection again loss of earnings, and against lawsuit. 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. Employers have the ability to impact their premium rates by managing their health, safety and disability management programs.