About WCB

When you’re hurt on the job, WCB-Alberta is there to help you get back to work and feeling like yourself again.

Treatment and Recovery

If you are hurt at work, we are here to make sure you receive the services you need to recover and return to work.

Achieve your best recovery

You’ve been hurt at work and may have some questions about how to get your life back on track. We want you to have the best possible experience and recovery. Here are a few tips for what you can do to feel better, get back to your normal life, and manage your benefits as smoothly as possible.

• Promptly tell your employer, doctor (or other health care provider such as, physiotherapist) and WCB exactly what happened when you were hurt. Clearly communicate what caused your work injury/illness. This information helps in making correct and timely decisions for you. It helps determine if the treatment you are receiving is appropriate and identifies what can be done in the workplace to protect you and your co-workers in the future.
• Ask questions until you understand. You deserve to know what is going on. It is important to take care of yourself by learning about your injury/illness as well as the details of your treatment. We care about your recovery and welcome your questions.

• Adjust your job: suggest solutions. As you recover, meet with your employer to discuss ideas on making short-term adjustments to your job or finding something else you can do at work. It is good for your recovery and return to work to stay in touch with your employer.
• Stay active. Ask your doctor what you can do—and when. Medical research shows that recovery is better when people keep to their daily routine as much as possible during their recovery. Ask your doctor (or other healthcare provider) what you can do to help yourself get better. Make it a habit to ask, at every appointment, for a list of what you can do safely now—both at home and at work. Ask if there are any specific activities or tasks you should avoid. Share with your doctor the ideas you and your employer have discussed for job adjustments and ask if they are medically safe for you to do       
• Keep your adjudicator/case manager updated. You play an important role in your recovery and return to work. Keeping your adjudicator or case manager updated on your progress helps ensure you receive the right benefits and services at the right time. Your updates can include how you feel you are doing, questions about benefits and services, upcoming medical appointments, ideas for how you can customize your job for a safe return, changes to your ability to do specific activities or tasks, and more.
• Look after yourself. Be patient. Take care of your mind and body—they are connected. Your mental health can impact your recovery. If coping seems difficult or you feel your recovery is slower than expected, think about what might be getting in the way. It might be concerns about family, work, money, your future or how you view your situation.

• Try to separate medical issues from non-medical issues. Ask for help from your healthcare provider, employer or adjudicator/case manager. They will be able to help you identify where you may need additional support.

  Focus on finding ways to restore your daily routines and function.

• Keep good records. Use a folder to organize your papers. Ensure you know your claim number or have it written down for easy access. Keep your adjudicator’s/case manager’s phone number handy so you can call with updates or questions.