Special counsellors have been brought in by the Workers' Compensation Board in Edmonton to help employees deal with the aftermath of last week's hostage-taking.

The number of security officers has been increased at the WCB's Edmonton buildings. (CBC)

"We have two on-site, specifically trained in trauma-related incidents," Jennifer Dagsvik, spokesperson for the WCB, told CBC News on Monday.

"Of course, one runs the risk of post-traumatic stress syndrome. These employees coming in in the morning [last] Wednesday had no idea what they'd be facing. And when your whole day goes completely upside down like that, it's shocking, and I would expect that at any moment you think it could happen again."

The counseling services are available to all WCB employees, Dagsvik said, not just the eight taken hostage.

"The shock that our other employees felt, having SWAT guys around with guns, you know it's just unfathomable sometimes when you think about it, that that could happen in your workplace."

Dagsvik said the WCB has also increased security at both its buildings in Edmonton, with two new guards at each building. It's an interim measure as the agency reviews its security policies.

"We're not just relying on our internal security people," Dagsvik said. "We're bringing in outside experts."