Released on October 25, 2016
A change to The Workers’ Compensation Act, 2013 was introduced today which will expand workers’ compensation coverage to workers experiencing psychological injuries.The amendment establishes a rebuttable 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,” Labour Relations and Workplace Safety Minister Don Morgan said. “Many of the people experiencing 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 experience as a result of being exposed to traumatic events or situations at work.
The government intends to pass the bill as soon as possible.-30-
For more information, contact:
Jennifer Veri
Labour Relations and Workplace Safety
Regina
Phone: 306-787-1331
Email: jennifer.veri@gov.sk.ca