When Should an Employer Report an Accident to the WCB?
As much as we try to avoid them, the reality is that accidents happen at work. Some are minor, some result in medical treatment, and unfortunately some result in serious injury or death. Most work-related accidents are obvious and reporting them to the Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) makes sense. Yet some accidents or incidents seem so inconsequential that it does not make sense to spend the time, effort and expense to report them. So, in these situations, how does an employer decide whether or not to report an accident to the WCB? Essentially there are 3 criteria an employer needs to consider when determining if a minor work injury needs to be reported to the WCB: First Aid versus Medical Aid Job duty modification Damage to personal medical aids and appliances First Aid vs Medical Aid In Alberta, WCB Policy 01-05, Part 1, Reporting and Recording Accidents addresses this issue […]
When is a WCB Claim Not a Claim?
Nobody wants or likes a Workers’ Compensation (WCB) claim, not workers nor employers, but the reality is that work-related accidents do happen. While the majority of work-related claims are relatively straightforward, resolved quickly, and adjudicated appropriately, there are situations that are more complex, contentious, and/or less obvious. They require a closer look to determine whether they are an acceptable WCB claim. Employers are entitled to a) question the validity of these cases, b) have the rationale for acceptance explained, and c) appeal any decision made on a claim— including acceptability. Whether it is because of worker-related issues, worksite related incidents, or other outside factors, there are times when employers get frustrated and want to question the acceptability of a WCB claim. A tremendous amount of time, energy, and resources can be wasted trying to fight a WCB claim, more often than not without success. The result can be increased claims […]
Preventing Manual Material Handling Injuries in Your Warehouse
With a number of moving equipment pieces, storage and handling needs, and manual handling, warehouses are a hub of activity— and risk. In 2019 alone, 234,851 lost-time claims were made in Canada due to traumatic injuries and disorders. Of these claims, countless could have been prevented with better safety precautions, workplace training, and standardized practices. Warehouses, like every workplace, have their own unique challenges and dangers which is why it’s important to take each into special consideration when considering improving safety processes. There’s a good reason why most material movement in warehouses is done by equipment. Manual lifting and moving of materials such as boxes, equipment, or supplies can be strenuous on the body and lead to a number of injuries. These injuries are preventable and can be dealt with through a few careful precautions. Three Ways to Prevent Manual Material Handling Injuries in the Warehouse 1) Training Provide information, […]
WCB Policy Reviews – Why Alberta Employers Need to Get Involved
The Alberta Workers’ Compensation Act has been around for more than 100 years and although it is the Act that defines the auspices of the Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB), it is the policies and procedures that have been developed over the years that are integral to the implementation of the Act. Needless to say, times have changed since 1918 and as a result, it has been necessary to modify WCB policies to make them current and relevant in today’s world. To that end, the WCB periodically reviews their policies to ensure they are meeting the needs of today’s workers and employers. Due to a large number of WCB policies, the review process is cyclical where only a select number of policies are reviewed each year. What is being reviewed? In 2019, the Alberta WCB will be looking at policies involving employer accounts and premiums including topics in the following areas: […]
Top Must-Have Workplace Safety Apps
We’re all aware of the concerns surrounding smartphone use and the impact it has on our daily life, both personally and professionally. The demands on our attention, the dangers of distracted driving and the loss of productivity are just a few of the criticisms attributed to smartphones but is it possible that smartphones can improve health and safety at work? Despite their bad wrap, when used intentionally, smartphones can have real value in the workplace and on the job. Smartphone technology is an unstoppable, never-ending force that is constantly changing the way we view our world and how we operate in it; it touches every aspect of our lives including how we communicate, interact, navigate and how we gather, store and share information. So, let’s focus on the positive for a moment. What are the advantages of having a cell phone at work? Besides the obvious calls to 911, smartphones […]