Manitoba setting bar for broader PTSD compensation coverage

Manitoba is boasting the broadest workers compensation coverage in Canada for Post-Traumatic Stress, one that includes first-responders and other workers who could be exposed to traumatic events.

The new legislation, which as of Jan. 1 is recognizing PTSD as a work related illness and was announced back in December 2015.

“PTSD causes tremendous pain and suffering to those affected by it. This first-in-Canada legislation will offer all workers who have experienced traumatic events in the workplace the support they need to heal and get back to work,” Premier Greg Selinger said in a press release.

Selinger said his NDP government is going a step further by applying the law to all workers covered by the province’s Workers Compensation Board – nurses, retail store employees and more – and not just first-responders.

“It makes sense to deal with (PTSD) regardless of what occupation you have, what job you have. If you’re experiencing the issue, it impairs your ability to do your job,” Selinger said.

The new bill extends coverage and benefits to all workers eligible under the Workers Compensation Board who are diagnosed with PTSD by a medical professional.

“If a worker in Manitoba is exposed to certain types of traumatic events and is diagnosed with post-traumatic Stress Disorder, the [Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba] can presume the PTSD is caused by the worker’s employment, unless the contrary is proven,” said the Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba on their website.

Related story:

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Ontario passes legislation to give first responders WSIB coverage for PTSD

On Tuesday, Ontario unanimously passed legislation recognizing PTSD as work-related illness for police, firefighters and paramedics but does not extend to other workers including nurses.

According to the The Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba, the disorder is not limited to a specific occupation but that PTSD-triggered events can happen in multiple workplaces.

The legislation, similar to an existing law in Alberta, is being eyed by other provinces.

Alberta law starts from the presumption that the PTSD stemmed from an event or events at work, as long as a medical professional diagnoses it as such.

Manitoba’s Workers Compensation Board defines PTSD is the psychological distress a person feels that is ongoing and characterized by a specific set of symptoms that impair the person’s daily function.

Some symptoms include upsetting memories, nightmares, flashbacks, avoidance of distressing thoughts or feelings about the traumatic event, change in thoughts and mood, feeling detachment from others, being on edge all the time, reckless behaviours, easily startled or having a hard time sleeping.

“This legislation doesn’t recognize the uniform we wear to work, but instead emphasizes uniformity in that it applies to all workers,” said Michelle Gawronsky, president of the Manitoba Government and General Employees’ Union in a press release.

“That’s what makes this legislation special and important; regardless of what we do or where we work, when things happen on the job that affect our mental health, there will be tools and supports in place quickly that help us get better.”