Protecting the workers' compensation system

WCB-Alberta is committed to deterring, detecting, and prosecuting those who abuse the funds held in trust for workers and employers. Abuse occurs when an individual is intentionally dishonest in order to obtain money, goods, or services to which he or she is not entitled.

Though the vast majority of stakeholders and service providers are honest, past experience has shown that there is a small percentage who are not, and this can add up to big costs. In an average year approximately $10 million is protected in the Accident Fund, as a result of the Special Investigations Unit investigations of suspicious behaviour.

Abuse of the workers’ compensation system costs us all. The ripple effect includes lost jobs and profits, lower wages and benefits, and higher costs for goods and services—in part because employers are forced to pay higher premium rates to cover increased claims costs.

Help us stamp out system abuse by watching for indicators – so the workers’ compensation system will be there for those who need it, now and in the future.

Report suspected system abuse

You can report suspected abuse anonymously to WCB-Alberta. Over half of the Special Investigation Unit’s referrals come from WCB-Alberta staff and the rest are tips from employers, workers, family members, neighbours, and others who appreciate that abuse of the system is costly and wrong.

Report any suspected system abuse to the Claims Contact Centre.

What constitutes fraud?

• failure to report an accident
• unlawfully deducting premiums from a worker’s wages
• intimidating a worker into not reporting a claim
• deliberately understating or falsifying insurable earnings
• failure to obtain a WCB-Alberta account when operating in a compulsory industry

Legislation and fines relating to abuse