A change to The Workers’ Compensation Act, 2013 was introduced on October 25 which will expand workers’ compensation coverage to workers suffering psychological injuries. The amendment establishes a rebuttal presumption for all forms of psychological injuries, which means that it is presumed that a worker has a work-related injury and would not have to prove it occurred in the workplace.
“We are committed to protecting our workers, especially those who protect us,” said Don Morgan, Labour Relations and Workplace Safety Minister. “Many of the people suffering from psychological injuries such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder are our first responders who are exposed to traumatic situations because of their jobs.”
To qualify for coverage a worker will need to provide a diagnosis from a psychologist or psychiatrist. Until today, workers were required to provide additional proof that their psychological injury was work-related when filing their Worker’s Compensation Board (WCB) claim to be eligible for compensation.
“We know the stigma attached to psychological injuries and illnesses often prevents people from getting help,” Morgan said. “By reducing barriers, our hope is that more people feel confident seeking support, including applying for benefits from the WCB.”
While other provinces have established a rebuttable presumption for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Saskatchewan is the first province to enact legislation that covers other forms of psychological injury that workers could suffer from as a result of being exposed to traumatic events or situations at work. The government intends to pass the bill as soon as possible.
