http://www.wcb.ab.ca/employers/employers_facts.asp
Employer Fact Sheet
Website: www.wcb.ab.ca
E-mail: contactcentre@wcb.ab.ca
Box 2415, 9912-107 Street
Toll-free:
1-866-922-9221 (within AB)
1-800-661-9608 (outside AB)
Edmonton, AB T5J 2S5
Edmonton Ph: 780-498-3999
Fax: 780-498-7999
Calgary:
Ph: 403-517-6000
Fax: 403-517-6201
Page 1 of 3 • October 27, 2009
WCB-548
Temporary modified work
Scenario 1: Modified work that is normally performed by others
Ray works as a carpenter for a large construction company and injures his right arm while
moving some equipment. The doctor has confirmed that Ray’s injury needs some time to
heal before he can return to his pre-accident employment. Ray’s employer suggests that Ray
return to work in a modified capacity and offers Ray a temporary position delivering orientation
sessions to new employees as the regular trainer has been asked to do an assignment in the
company’s head office. Is this reasonable?
Likely, as the assignment meets the conditions laid out in the opening paragraphs above,
and is consistent with the purpose of temporary modified work. The work is appropriate to
Ray’s physical and medical condition and has been set up to ensure it does not aggravate
the injury. Orientation for new employees is a regular part of the company’s operations, and
Ray’s employer has made the suggestion knowing that Ray has the skills necessary to deliver
training in a classroom setting. Ray is looking forward to sharing his knowledge with new
employees until he can return to his regular job. Although this injury may have resulted in no
time lost from work, it is a disabling injury and it must be reported as a modified work claim.
General compensation principles
While recovering from a compensable injury, a worker may benefit from placement in suitable
temporary modified work. Temporary modified work includes any changes, restrictions or
limitations to a worker’s regular job duties that are required to accommodate a work-related
injury.
To be considered s