Establishing causality for issues relating to mental health has been challenging for workers compensation boards in general. Recently, the Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba has been asked by the Government of Manitoba to seek the public’s views on workers compensation coverage for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Specifically, they are interested in opinions as to whether The Workers Compensation Act should be amended to provide presumptive coverage for PTSD.
A legislative presumption creates an inference that a fact exists because of the known or proven existence of other facts. Psychological injuries, including PTSD, are already compensable under the Act. However, it is sometimes difficult to establish a causal link between workplace incidents and PTSD. This can result in delay and inconsistency in adjudication. A presumption would speed up claim adjudication and thereby provide quicker access to treatment.
PTSD has received increased public attention in recent years, partly because of growing awareness of mental health issues in general and partly because of several high profile cases of PTSD among police officers, military personnel and others.
The WCB has produced a position paper on PTSD and is welcoming input with regard to the issues and questions posed in it, or concerning any other issue related to presumptive coverage of PTSD. This input will form the basis of a report that the WCB will provide to the Government of Manitoba at the conclusion of consultations in early May 2015.
Submissions may be emailed or mailed to:
Corporate Secretary
Workers Compensation Board
333 Broadway
Winnipeg, MB R3C 4W3
Fax: (204) 954-4468
Deadline for submissions is May 1, 2015.
Further information, including the Consultation Paper, can be found at www.wcb.mb.ca/workers-compensation-coverage-for-post-traumatic-stress-disorder-and-stakeholder-consultations.