Return to Work After Injury Alberta
Returning to work after an injury requires careful documentation, both for your protection and your employer's. In Alberta, the type of clearance you need depends on whether the injury was work-related (WCB) or non-work-related.
For non-workplace injuries such as sports injuries, home accidents, or motor vehicle collisions, MedLetter can provide same-day return-to-work documentation. For workplace injuries covered by WCB, you will need to work with your WCB case manager and treating physician.
Important: WCB vs. Non-WCB Injuries
MedLetter does NOT provide WCB documentation. If your injury happened at work or during work-related activities, you must work with your WCB case manager and treating physician for return-to-work clearance.
We CAN provide documentation for: sports injuries (hockey, skiing, running, gym), home accidents (falls, cuts, burns), motor vehicle accidents (non-WCB), recreational injuries, and any non-workplace injury that caused you to miss work.
Types of Return-to-Work Documentation After Injury
Depending on your recovery status, you may need one of several types of documentation: Full clearance (you can perform all job duties without restriction), clearance with temporary restrictions (you can work but with specific limitations), or a modified duties letter (recommending specific accommodations while you continue to recover).
Common Restrictions After Injury
If you're returning to work but not fully recovered, common restrictions include: no lifting over a specified weight (10 lbs, 20 lbs, 50 lbs), no prolonged standing or sitting, no repetitive motions with the affected area, reduced hours for the first 1-2 weeks, no climbing, bending, or overhead reaching, and avoidance of specific activities related to the injured area.
Your physician will specify restrictions based on your reported recovery status and job requirements.
Your Employer's Duty to Accommodate
Under the Alberta Human Rights Act, your employer has a duty to accommodate your medical restrictions to the point of undue hardship. This means they must make reasonable adjustments to allow you to return to work, even if you can't perform every aspect of your job immediately.
Having a clear medical letter specifying your restrictions gives your employer the information they need to accommodate you properly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a return to work letter for a sports injury?
Yes. Non-workplace injuries (sports, recreation, home accidents) can be assessed online. We can provide clearance or modified duties documentation.
What about a car accident injury?
If the injury is not a WCB claim, we can provide return-to-work documentation. For injuries covered by auto insurance, our documentation can support your return-to-work timeline.
My employer wants me back but I'm not ready — what do I do?
Our physician can issue a modified duties letter specifying your current limitations. Your employer is legally required to accommodate these restrictions under the Alberta Human Rights Act.
Can you provide documentation for ongoing physiotherapy?
We can note in your letter that you are undergoing rehabilitation and may need schedule accommodations for appointments. However, we cannot provide physiotherapy treatment plans.
MedLetter does NOT provide WCB documentation. Workplace injuries requiring Workers' Compensation Board documentation must be assessed by your treating physician or a WCB-approved provider. We provide documentation for non-workplace injuries only.
Get Return to Work Letter — $49