IMPORTANT NOTICE RE STUDENTS AND ALBERTA WCB COVERAGE
Students registered in and attending a post-secondary institution, as outlined in Section 7(1)(c) of the General Regulations of the Worker's Compensation Act, who are enrolled in a vocational or academic program leading to a degree or certification, are considered to be workers of the Government of Alberta and are entitled to WCB coverage. The regulation applies to all students who are in attendance at the post-secondary institution, except those students who suffer accidents while engaging or participating in extra curricular sporting, recreational, social or personal fulfillment activities which are not a current academic requisite or required as a part of the course of study in which the student is registered. There are many benefits that students enjoy as a result of this coverage entitlement especially for students whose academic program include practicum, co-op experiences and internships. The coverage however is not specific to only those students but to all students who are involved in their academic endeavors.
The Alberta Workers’ Compensation Board may not cover distance learners if they do not meet Section 28(1) of the Workers’ Compensation Act. For more information contact the Workers’ Compensation Board or Risk and Safety Services.
It is extremely important for the University to be immediately notified when a student is involved in an accident or incident in the course of their academic experience to ensure that the matter is reported to WCB within the regulated time lines enabling WCB to review each situation and determine the Student’s entitlement to benefits.
All accidents and incidents should be reported by either contacting Security at 329-2345 or Risk and Safety Services at 329-2099 or by completing the on-line incident/accident report, which can be located at the following link:
http://www.uleth.ca/hum/riskandsafetyservices/Services/report_form.html
The WCB Fact sheet explaining student coverage can be located at:
www.wcb.ab.ca/pdfs/EFS_Student_coverage.pdf
The University’s Wellness Coordinator, Suzanne McIntosh, administers the WCB portfolio at the University of Lethbridge. Suzanne’s contact information is as follows:
| Suzanne McIntosh Office AH 125 Phone: (403) 332 - 5217 E-Mail: suzanne.mcintosh@uleth.ca |
Anne M. Baxter Risk and Safety Services Phone: (403) 382 - 7176 E-Mail: annembaxter@uleth.ca |