Psychological Injuries (within the WCB context)

- 01:30 PM Mountain Time

When does a workplace psychological injury lead to a WCB claim? How should employers respond when an employee says their work has made them unwell? What separates a traumatic onset injury from a chronic onset injury? Where do performance management, discipline, and other everyday workplace pressures fit in? Join us as we explore the answers and share practical guidance for employers navigating these complex issues.

The McLennan Ross Labour and Employment team has a wealth of experience advising employers on WCB claims. That includes psychological injury claims, return to work and modified duties, and managing overlapping obligations under human rights, OHS, and employment legislation.

In this seminar, Maurice Dransfeld and Keshav Bhargava will walk through how psychological injury claims are assessed in Alberta. They will also give practical advice on managing these claims from the first report through to return to work.

Topics covered in this presentation include:

  • What qualifies as a psychological injury under Alberta's WCB framework;

  • Traumatic onset vs. chronic onset psychological injuries, and the tests that apply to each;

  • Presumptive coverage for first responders, correctional officers, emergency dispatchers and, more recently, nurses;

  • "Normal pressures and tensions of employment," and why management actions such as performance reviews, discipline, and restructuring generally do not support a claim;

  • The role of objective evidence, documentation, and timely workplace investigations;

  • Supporting recovery and return to work, including modified duties; and

  • How WCB claims interact with human rights, OHS, and employment law obligations.

Who Should Attend: This webinar is designed for in-house counsel, human resources, labour relations, health and safety, and operations professionals.

Date: Wednesday, October 28, 2026

Time: 12 PM -1:30 PM

Click here to register. 

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