The Edmonton Fire Fighters’ Union, represented by Kara O’Halloran, successfully appealed WCB decisions that denied compensation for injuries sustained during on-duty fitness activities.
In one case, a firefighter injured his back while playing wallyball with his crew at the fire hall in August 2023. The WCB initially denied the claim, concluding that the injury occurred during a sporting activity that fell outside compensable employment duties. The Appeals Commission overturned that decision and accepted the claim.
In the second case, a first responder injured his right arm while paying pickleball at work in September 2023. After both the WCB and the Dispute Resolution and Decision Review Body denied the claim, the worker appealed and succeeded before the Appeals Commission. The Commission found the injury compensable and reversed the earlier decision.
Under Alberta’s Workers’ Compensation legislation, injuries sustained during competitive sports are generally excluded from coverage unless two requirements are met:
1) The activity was expressly pre-authorized by the employer; and
2) The activity was consistent with the worker’s regular employment duties.
The Commission determined that the activities met the exceptions allowing coverage. A major factor in both decisions was the evidence showing that firefighters are expected to maintain a high level of physical fitness as part of their employment. The evidence demonstrated that firefighting is physically demanding work requiring ongoing strength, endurance, mobility, teamwork, and resilience. The Commission took a progressive approach, recognizing that while playing pickleball or wallyball is not specifically listed in a firefighter’s job description, maintaining physical fitness and functioning effectively as part of a crew are fundamental aspects of the profession.
For firefighters across Alberta, these decisions provide valuable guidance and reinforce the importance of documenting employer-supported fitness practices, wellness initiatives, and the connection between physical fitness and operational duties.