Released on December 20, 2016
Bill 39, an amendment to The Workers’ Compensation Act, 2013, becomes law on December 20, 2016.The amendment establishes a rebuttable presumption for all forms of psychological injuries, which means that if a worker has experienced a traumatic event or a number of events in the course of their work and has been diagnosed as having a psychological injury, it is presumed that the injury is the result of their employment.
“I would like to thank members of the opposition for supporting the bill and working with us to pass it so quickly,” Labour Relations and Workplace Safety Minister Don Morgan said. “We are also grateful to those we spoke with who shared their stories with us. Their experiences reinforced how important it is to support those who are dealing with the personal consequences of trauma.”
A private members’ bill to establish a presumption for work-related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was introduced in the spring. Bill 39 extends the presumption to all forms of psychological injury caused by workplace trauma. The amendment applies to all workers eligible for Workers' Compensation Board coverage.
To apply for Workers’ Compensation, applicants will need to provide a diagnosis from a psychiatrist or psychologist that includes confirmation the injury occurred as a result of being exposed to a traumatic event at work. More information can be found on the Workers' Compensation Board website at www.wcbsask.com.
Workers with PTSD or similar injuries have been eligible to apply for Workers' Compensation Board coverage under a policy that has been in place since 1992.
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For more information, contact:
Jennifer Veri
Labour Relations and Workplace Safety
Regina
Phone: 306-787-1331
Email: jennifer.veri@gov.sk.ca