Excerpt from the OH&S Canada magazine
The Workers’ Compensation Board of Prince Edward Island announced revisions to policies to reflect the presumptive legislation for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that came into effect on June 2, 2018.
The changes, announced on July 6, 2018 relate to the definition of PTSD and the time-frame limitations for filing claims. Trauma-related disorders will be deemed work-related if a worker has been exposed to a traumatic event during the course of employment, as specified in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) and diagnosed with PTSD by a psychiatrist or psychologist presumption for PTSD applies to claims occurred on or after June 2, 2018.
Claims that occur before that date will be adjudicated based on the criteria set out in the policy. Criteria for Entitlement for Psychological and Psychiatric Conditions Not Covered Under the Presumption for Trauma and Stressor-related Disorders.
An employee must submit a ‘Worker’s Report’ within six months of the date of the exposure. Employers are required to send in an ‘Employer’s Report of Accident’ to the WCB within three days of becoming aware of the incident.
Failure to do so on the employer’s part could result in the WCB adjudicating the claim based on the information on the file, or prompt a penalty of $100.00 for each day the information is not received, up to a total of $1,000.00 per claim.
My opinion.
Many of our soldiers came back from a war they did not want but carried out their patriotic duty and came home with PTSD, an unrecognized disorder and usually is not treated.
As you can see, the governments are finally understanding that PTSD is a real issue and must be dealt with accordingly. If you feel that this is something that you have, or may have, please ensure that you had to your physician who may send you to a specialist to verify the situation.
It was too late for many in years gone by but it’s nice to know, going forward, that this will be dealt with, at least, in the province of Prince Edward Island.
Ensure your workplace is a safe place.
Remember – In Ontario, “ALL Accidents are Preventable”
HRS Group Inc. has a great team that can help you with all your health and safety needs including ‘Due Diligence’ and ‘Standard Operating Procedures’. Contact Deborah toll free at 1-877-907-7744 or locally at 705-749-1259.
‘Work’ and ‘Play’ safe.
Daniel L. Beal
CHSEP – Advanced Level
VP & Senior Trainer
HRS Group Inc.