Psychological injuriesPsychological health and safety in the workplace continues to be an important topic of conversation in Manitoba. Psychological injuries stemming from the workplace significantly affect both workers and employers. They can take a personal toll on workers and cost employers expertise and productivity.All Canadian workers’ compensation systems, including Manitoba’s, compensate for psychological injuries caused by traumatic events occurring at or as a result of work. In Manitoba, compensation for psychological injuries arising from workplace bullying and harassment has been available for many years.Policy informationThe WCB recognizes that excessive workload over a prolonged period of time can, in certain circumstances, constitute a traumatic event and give rise to a compensable claim. You can read the full policy here.PTSD presumptionIf a worker in Manitoba is exposed to certain types of traumatic events and is diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), the WCB can presume that it was caused by the worker’s employment unless proven otherwise.The presumption intends to reduce stigma around mental illness and to make it simpler in some cases to establish a causal connection between PTSD and a worker’s employment. It is not limited to a specific occupation, recognizing that PTSD-triggering events can happen in any workplace. It applies to certain types of cases involving PTSD and does not apply to other work-related psychological injuries. If there is evidence that the PTSD was caused by something not related to the worker’s job, the presumption may be rebutted.A physician or psychologist must diagnose the worker according to the most recent Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders published by the American Psychiatric Association.HelpIf you or a member of your family is having trouble dealing with the effects of your injury, call the WCB Distress Line. Trained counsellors from Klinic Community Health Centre are there to help you 24-hours a day, seven days a week. The service is totally confidential and free of charge.In Winnipeg, call 204-786-8175.Outside Winnipeg, call toll free, 1-800-719-3809.Access Canada’s Suicide Crisis Helpline, call or text 988 (available 24/7)FAQs Am I covered by the WCB if I have PTSD or another psychological injury? Work-related psychological injuries, including PTSD, have always been and continue to be covered by the WCB. Do I have to work in a certain occupation to be covered by the PTSD presumption? PTSD presumptive coverage applies to all workers covered by workers compensation in Manitoba and recognizes that PTSD-triggering events can happen in any workplace. Does PTSD presumptive coverage guarantee that my WCB claim will be accepted? The WCB will investigate each claim individually to determine if it is acceptable under the presumption or other sections of The Workers Compensation Act and WCB Policies. The presumptive coverage does not guarantee that your WCB claim will be accepted. What types of treatments does the WCB cover? Some of the costs directly related to your psychological workplace injury that may be covered include: psychological servicesmedication (including prescriptions)other healthcare costs related to your workplace injury Learn how to help prevent psychological injuries in your workplace. Learn moreRelated linksReport your injuryWorkers compensation benefitsPsychological health and safety resources
