Alberta Workers' Compensation Board and Mental Health Coverage for First Responders

Alberta Workers’ Compensation Board and Mental Health Coverage for First Responders

First responders often face tough situations that can affect their mental well-being. The Alberta Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) has changed over time to better cover mental health issues, especially for those in high-stress jobs.

A History of Change: Focusing on Mental Health

At first, the Alberta WCB mostly dealt with physical injuries from work accidents. Things like broken bones or cuts were the main focus. Mental health claims were harder to prove and weren’t often covered. The “but for” test made it tricky. This test asks, “Would this mental health problem have happened if it weren’t for the work incident?” Proving that link was difficult.

But things have improved. Alberta now offers presumptive coverage for some jobs, including many first responder roles. This means if you’re in one of these jobs and experience a work-related event that could have reasonably caused a mental health issue, it’s assumed your work caused the problem. You can find more details on the WCB’s page on psychological injuries.

Key Laws: Making Mental Health a Priority

Alberta has passed important laws to improve mental health coverage for workers. Bill 30, or the “An Act to Protect the Health and Well-being of Working Albertans,” was a big step.

Bill 30: A Major Shift

Starting June 1, 2018, Bill 30 changed the Workers’ Compensation Act and the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act. One of the biggest changes was including psychological injuries as something workers could be compensated for. This put mental health injuries on the same level as physical ones. An article by Cority explains these changes. A Rank and File article also details changes to return-to-work programs.

Presumptive Coverage: Easier Access for High-Risk Jobs

Presumptive coverage was another key change. This means that for certain jobs, like firefighters, paramedics, and police officers, it’s assumed that a mental health condition (like PTSD) is work-related if they’ve been through a traumatic event at work. The WCB-Alberta document on traumatic psychological injuries explains this. This makes it easier for first responders to get the help they need. The burden of proof is on the WCB.

Between 2016 and 2020, mental health disorders became the third most common reason for WCB claims, showing how important this change was. A report on the Alberta Labour and Immigration website shows this increase.

Mental Health Coverage Now: What First Responders Can Expect

Today, the Alberta WCB covers a wide range of mental health issues, not just physical ones.

Who Can Get Coverage?

WCB-Alberta covers psychological injuries caused by work stress, traumatic events, or even mental health problems that develop because of a physical injury. For instance, if a firefighter gets anxious and depressed after a bad fall that causes long-term pain, they could get mental health support, as well as coverage for the physical injury.

Streamlined access for Canadian Armed Forces

Veterans of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) have a simpler process to access mental health benefits. A document from Veterans Affairs Canada explains that veterans who apply for a disability benefit for a mental health condition and confirm their CAF service automatically qualify for mental health benefits. Further information on mental health support for veterans can be found at throughout the Responders First website.

How Assessments Work

The WCB uses medical and psychological assessments to understand the injury. Professionals like psychiatrists, psychologists, and doctors with special training do these checks. They figure out the diagnosis, how much it affects the worker, and if it’s linked to their job.

Covered Treatments

WCB-Alberta covers proven treatments for mental health conditions. This includes therapy (like cognitive-behavioral therapy or exposure therapy) and medication prescribed by a doctor. The treatment plan is made to fit the worker’s needs.

The Alberta Workers Compensation Board also works to create safer workplaces. Their website has a section on specialized injury support with helpful resources.

Appealing a Decision

If a worker disagrees with a WCB decision, they can appeal. Alberta has a multi-step appeal system. The Alberta Advisor Office website explains that there’s a one-year limit to appeal to the Dispute Resolution and Dispute Review Board (DRDRB). If the worker is still not satisfied, they have another year to appeal to the Appeals Commission.

Comparing Alberta to Other Provinces

Workers’ compensation and mental health coverage vary across Canada. A ResearchGate publication shows that access to benefits and legal protections for work-related mental health issues isn’t equal in Quebec and Ontario. An article from the Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba also discusses the challenges of covering psychological injuries.

Challenges and How We’re Working to Fix Them

Even with improvements, there are still challenges. Bill 30, while helpful, also brought some new complexities, as Blue Collar Consulting details.

Roadblocks to Getting Help

Even though coverage is better, many workers still find it hard to get mental health support through the WCB.

• Bureaucracy: The claims process can be complicated and take a long time. This can be tough for people already dealing with mental health issues.
• Stigma: People may be afraid to talk about their mental health or file a claim because they worry about being judged or facing problems at work.
• Lack of Knowledge: Some workers and employers may not know about the expanded coverage or how to file a claim.

Help and Support

Many groups are working to fix these problems and improve mental health support for workers, including veterans. These groups raise awareness, help people with the WCB system, and push for policy changes.

Looking at the Numbers: Where We Can Improve

Data on WCB claims helps us see how well things are working and where we can do better.

In 2021, the WCB got 792 psychological injury claims from first responders, and 565 were accepted, but 227 were denied. DiscoverAirdrie reported this, showing that many first responders need help, but some claims are still rejected.

The WCB-Alberta’s 2023 Annual Report stresses the importance of early help and working together to deal with psychological injuries.

The Future: What’s Next

The system is always changing, and work is ongoing to improve support, simplify processes, and use the best methods.

A client-centered model, based on international best practices, is a key focus. This means putting the needs of workers first and providing personalized care. A report from the Australian Government Department of Veterans’ Affairs gives insights into this model.

As the need for mental health services grows, we also need more qualified mental health providers. An article by the RAND Corporation notes how important this is.

Integrating mental health support services is also needed for efficient help. An article from CMSA Today discusses this issue.

The Workers’ Compensation Board also provides support beyond medical treatment, including temporary financial help, rehabilitation programs, and vocational training. An important aspect of Alberta WCB mental health support is ensuring those who need help can access it.

We Can Help You

If you are a first responder who is suffering, Responders First is here to help. We offer confidential peer support and resources. Contact us, we can help guide you through the process.

Don Davis

15+ years of emergency response experience. Passionate about connecting our first responder communities with critical resources. Author of hundreds of articles and guides on First Responders mental health care. When not responding to emergencies, you can find me playing with my dogs, hiking, or enjoying a good book.