Coverage

For most industries, workers' compensation coverage is required by law.

Compulsory coverage

Employers operating in a compulsory industry must open a WCB-Alberta account:

• within 15 days of first hiring workers
• if they employ regular or casual workers, contractors without their own account or contractors that are not limited or incorporated

Industries exempt from coverage/Voluntary coverage

Some industries are exempt from mandatory workers' compensation coverage. Employers that operate in exempt industries may voluntarily apply for workers' compensation to protect their workers. Opening a WCB-Alberta account provides protection should one of your workers be injured at work. Look up exempt industries.

Work outside Alberta

If your business requires any of your workers to work outside Alberta, for even a short period, contact the workers’ compensation board or authority of that jurisdiction. They will advise whether you need an account with them.

You also need to advise WCB-Alberta, so we can determine whether the wages paid in the other jurisdiction should be included in your Alberta Employer’s Annual Return.

Opening a WCB-Alberta account

Before opening a WCB account, we require a complete description of your operations to determine the correct classification.  WCB-Alberta classifies employers according to the industry(ies) in which they operate, not the occupations of workers.  Please have this information available when you contact Employer Account Services.

Closing/re-opening a WCB-Alberta account

If your employer account is still open but your business has been sold or is no longer operating, you can close your account by using WCB-Alberta's online account maintenance or by contacting Employer Account Services.

For more information please reference our Closing/Re-opening an employer account fact sheet (pdf, 194KB).