Peace River School Division WCB & You

March 6-7, 2014

You will learn today:

Workers’ Compensation Board basic information

Your responsibilities when injured WCB’s role in the workplace Peace River School Division’s

responsibilities for an injury

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What is Workers’ Compensation?

What is Workers’ Compensation?

A no-fault disability insurance system set up under the Alberta Workers’ Compensation Act

It provides: benefits for injured workers liability insurance for employers

Employers fund the workers’ compensation system by paying premiums and

Workers receive work related benefits and have given up their right to sue their employer

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WCB Premiums Based on industry average

Averaged each year based on previous 3 years injury rates

Based on lost time injuries, not medical aids

Rates have ranged from $0.84 - $1.08 / $100 earnings in the last 5 years

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WCB’s Vision

Albertans working – a safe, healthy and strong Alberta, is about reducing the impact a work related injury or illness has on you, your family and your employer

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Your Responsibility When An Incident/Injury

Happens

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Tell your Employer

Call 1-800-816-4711 to report your injury to your supervisor As soon as injury occurs or as soon as is

reasonably practicable

Obtain first aid treatment by qualified first aider listed in your first aid kit

Mandatory to record the incident on Public School Works

Get medical treatment if needed

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Your Responsibilities…More As soon as you see the doctor,

physiotherapist or chiropractor, your injury is reportable to WCB. It doesn’t matter how minor the incident/injury is

Obtain WCB Worker’s Report of Injury or Occupational Disease form from your Supervisor/Manager to complete. Also available on PSW

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Injuries that Require Reporting to WCB

WCB covers work related injuries or diseases that cause you to need medical treatment or time away from work.These include:Injuries that cause (or are likely to cause) you to be off work beyond the day of injuryInjuries that require modified work beyond the day of injuryEyeglass repair or replacement when related to a work-related incident Injuries that require medical treatment beyond first aid (e.g. physical therapy, prescription medications, chiropractic) 10

Why is it Important to Report Incidents/Injuries ASAP? To identify the hazard so the issue can be

corrected to void future accidents. To keep you safe

Minor incidents (medical aid only) can result in something surfacing after the fact – i.e. cut becoming infected

Could delay you receiving treatment or services you are entitled to aid with your recovery

If not reported immediately, could delay the acceptance of your claim

The longer it takes for you to report it, it could be more challenging to link your injury to your job.

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Your Responsibilities….More Talk to your doctor about your progress

and ask about modified work and return to work options

Advise WCB of any changes to your job duties

Have regular contact with your employer, and WCB claim owner - We recommend every 2 weeks or after you see the doctor.

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Responsibilities con’t Advise your claim owner if you will be

leaving the province on vacation or you are moving out of Alberta

Provide original receipts for all costs directly related to your claim, ie prescription medications, eye glass receipt

Keep your medical appointments & follow your treatment plan

It’s your responsibility to aid in your recovery!

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Filing a WCB Claim & What we Need from You? Detailed information

about how the injury happened(mechanism of injury) Earnings information

and your shift cycle Gross earnings 12

monthsprior to date of injury

WCB Claim

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WCB’s Role in the Workplace

How Does WCB MakeDecisions?

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Life of a WCB ClaimREGISTR

Y

Employer’s ReportWorker’s Report

Physician’s Report

1 day Claim Established

Assigned to Adjudicator

ProcessTeamNo Time Loss Claims.

Adjudicator

Case ManagerMedical & Vocational

Rehabilitation ServicesComplex Claims

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What you Can Expect Once your Claim is Filed? If all of the information is received, a

confirmation letter is sent in 5-7 days of registering your claim; confirming the status of your claim and the benefits you are entitled to receive

If you are entitled to wage replacement, your first payment should arrive in approximately 14 days

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How does WCB Decide if your Claim is Acceptable? Two conditions must be met for

accident to be considered work-related: Must arise out of employment and be

caused by an employment hazard Must occur in the course of

employment when it happens at a time and place consistent with the responsibilities of your job

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Types of injuries or Diseases to be considered work-related ?

Traumatic injuries-cause and effect

Injuries caused by repeated activities

Occupational diseases

Re-injury and difficulties with an old work injury

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Types of Injuries or Disease not Considered Work-Related Pre-Existing or underlying health problems

(diabetes, arthritis, old sports injuries etc.) Injuries that occur while routinely

commuting to and from work Injuries arising from serious and willful

misconduct (WCB-Alberta reviews each case individually)

Injuries that happen outside of workNOTE: if you believe your injury is work-

related, it should always be reported.20

Benefits for Injured Workers

Wage Replacement 90% of net wages up to a maximum of

$92,300 gross wages per year (2014)

Medical-physiotherapy, chiropractic treatment, splints, prosthetics, prescriptions, eye glass repair or replacement

Recognition of a Permanent Disability

Vocational Rehabilitation Services21

Peace River School Division’s Responsibility

When An Injury Occurs

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Peace River School Division’s Responsibilities…

Provide immediate & appropriate first aid response

Pay for the cost of transportation from where you are injured to the nearest medical treatment facility; i.e. STARS if needed,

Must report WCB claim within 72 hours of you notifying supervisor/manager of injury.

Provide you with a copy of Employer Report

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Peace River School Division’s Responsibility Cont....

Pay you for balance of your shift on the accident date. Can not use sick or vacation time for the day of your injury.

May not agree with you to waive or to forego any benefits to which you might become entitled

Record all incidents using their first aid form in accordance with the Workers’ Compensation Regulations and provide a copy to you. Available on PSW

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You May be Offered Modified Work

Modified Work, what is it?Any job, task, or function that a worker who

suffers an injury may perform while recovering

Modified work can be: Reduced hours Change in regular duties to accommodate

work restrictions Change of duties entirely Take training programs related to your job

i.e. “S” Endorsement refresher25

Modified Work Must Be: achievable - given your injury, you must

be able to physically do it safe - modified work should not endanger

your recovery or safety or the safety of others

constructive - modified work should contribute to your skill development and your return to full duties

productive - your duties should be meaningful to the organization

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Need Help or Have Questions about your Claim? Call the Claims Contact Centre by calling:

1-866-922-9221 toll free 1-780-498-3999

Can view claim acceptance or when your next payment will be mailed to you or through direct deposit by going on line if you know your claim number and have a temporary password.

Go to: www.wcb.ab.ca/workers/online_view_claim.asp

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Any Questions?

Work Safe!

Drive Safe!

Thank You

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