HALIFAX, NS – WCB Nova Scotia’s Board of Directors has approved the policy that will guide WCB claim decisions for psychological injury claims, including claims for gradual onset psychological injuries, which the WCB will cover starting on September 1st. The new policy is part of how the WCB is protecting more working Nova Scotians, guided by our Strategic Plan.
“This is a critical step in our preparations to support gradual onset psychological injury,” says CEO Karen Adams. “Having this policy approved and in place means working Nova Scotians can be confident that the claim decisions we make for this new type of compensable injury will fully reflect the letter and intent of the legislation.”
WCB has long offered coverage for traumatic psychological injuries in the workplace, like post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Starting on September 1st, the WCB will provide coverage for a work-related psychological injury that’s wholly or predominantly due to significant workplace stressors that happen over time – often bullying or harassment.
At the same time, Government is adding a definition for workplace bullying and harassment to the Workers’ Compensation General Regulations effective September 1st, to ensure consistent interpretation across the workers’ compensation system.
The new Psychological Injury Policy reflects that definition, along with detailed and thoughtful feedback from workers and employers, provided through dozens of written submissions. Public consultation took place between November 2023 and March 2024.
Nova Scotia will be the first province in Atlantic Canada to offer gradual onset psychological injury coverage. To get ready for this change, WCB has established a specially trained service delivery team, with new roles to help connect workers and employers with the supports and services they need. The new policy will inform the team’s training leading up to September 1st.
Alongside the establishment of a dedicated service delivery team, WCB also developed a psychologically safe workplaces resource hub offering a comprehensive range of tools and resources for workers and employers, adapted from WorkSafe Saskatchewan and based on the National Standard for Psychologically Health and Safety in the Workplace.
Recently, the WCB announced agreements with three mental health service providers, and with four firms that will assist with third-party inquiries and mediation, to support its service model for gradual onset psychological injury claims.
More information about gradual onset psychological injury and what workers and employers can expect from the WCB’s service, is available at www.wcb.ns.ca/gpi.
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