A property management firm in Calgary employs full-time maintenance staff. A staff member sustains a back injury while lifting a heavy appliance from a vacant unit. The property manager must ensure the firm complies with provincial regulations regarding this workplace injury. What is the most critical action required by Alberta's Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) policies?

Question: A property management firm in Calgary employs full-time maintenance staff. A staff member sustains a back injury while lifting a heavy appliance from a vacant unit. The property manager must ensure the firm complies with provincial regulations regarding this workplace injury. What is the most critical action required by Alberta's Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) policies?

Answer options: ✅ Report the injury to the WCB within the prescribed time frame and ensure the employee receives necessary medical attention.

• Demand the employee apply for short-term disability benefits through their private insurance.
• Immediately discipline the employee for not following safety protocols.
• Conduct an internal investigation but delay reporting to the WCB until causation is definitively determined.

Correct answer: Report the injury to the WCB within the prescribed time frame and ensure the employee receives necessary medical attention.

Explanation: Under Alberta's Workers' Compensation Act, employers must report workplace injuries to the WCB within a specific timeframe (e.g., 72 hours) and ensure the injured worker receives appropriate medical care. This is a non-negotiable legal requirement to facilitate claims and provide benefits.