Changes to the Workers Compensation Act recognizing post-traumatic stress disorder as a work-related occupational disease in Manitoba come into effect Jan. 1.
Effective that date, the Workers Compensation Board will presume that someone’s job caused PTSD if a worker experiences a traumatic event on the job and is then diagnosed with the disorder.
This will make “it much easier to access supports, treatment and compensation,” Premier Greg Selinger said in a news release.
He said the new law was inspired by the work of Manitoba nurses, firefighters, first responders and the Manitoba Government Employees’ Union, who led the charge to recognize the effects workplace trauma can have on their members.
“This legislation is an important recognition of the fact that not all debilitating injuries are apparent or easy to document, and will help victims of PTSD get the treatment they need as soon as possible,” said Kevin Rebeck, president, Manitoba Federation of Labour. “We can do no less for injured workers.”
