Provincial law change to help workers with PTSD

Saskatchewan employees suffering psychological injuries will now have fewer barriers to overcome before receiving help.

The Saskatchewan government says it is helping employees across the province by removing barriers faced by those who suffer psychological injuries such as PTSD.

Now, workers suffering psychological injuries – such as post-traumatic stress disorder – won’t have to prove that it occurred on the job.

The government has changed The Workers’ Compensation Act to include what is called a rebuttal presumption for all forms of psychological injuries – that means it's presumed the injury is work-related, unless an employer rebuts the position.

Labour Minister Don Morgan says the legislation is unique in Canada because it covers other forms of psychological injury that workers could suffer as a result of being exposed to traumatic events or situations at work, not just PTSD.

Cathleen MacPhee, a former paramedic and 911 operator who has PTSD, says this legislation is significant because she knows first-hand how psychological injuries can affect workers.

MacPhee says she doesn't get workers compensation because she didn't want to go through the challenge or face the invasive questions about her PTSD.
  • The Canadian Press
 
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