The Manitoba government has announced new legislation to recognize post-traumatic stress disorder as a work-related illness, which will extend coverage to all employees who are eligible under the Workers Compensation Board.
Under the new legislation, which comes into effect on Jan. 1, 2016, anyone who faces traumatic experiences in the workplace will be eligible for worker’s compensation, if they’ve been diagnosed with PTSD. The Workers Compensation Board will presume the PTSD was caused by a workplace event, unless proven otherwise.
“This is compassionate, humane, but smart legislation,” Manitoba Premier Greg Selinger said during an announcement on Tuesday. “It helps people suffering from PTSD, no matter what area of work they are in, to get timely help.”
Forrest added that he’s seen colleagues die by suicide over the years, because they were unable to access timely treatment for PTSD they developed on the job.Alex Forrest, president of the United Fire Fighters of Winnipeg, thanked the Manitoba government for the new legislation. “It allows a safe place for firefighters and paramedics to come to,” Forrest said. “They know now that they will get the support and treatment they need.”
“Let’s hope that will never happen again,” he said.
Selinger pointed out that PTSD can be triggered by a single, traumatic incident, or by a build-up of other incidents over time. “It may be a series of things that happen to them over the course of their working experience, and at a certain point it becomes overwhelming, and that’s when we need timely support.”
Selinger hailed the changes as a first in Canada, adding that he hopes other provinces will follow Manitoba’s lead.
Contact Neil O'Toole and John Sbarbaro
Phone: 303-595-4777
Located in the Denver Metro area.
226 West 12th Avenue Denver, Colorado 80204

Disclaimer 


Any content of this blog is intended for informational purposes only.It is not intended to solicit business, provide legal advice from The Law Office of O'Toole & Sbarbaro, P.C. and does not serve as a medium for an attorney-client relationship. Therefore, The Law Office of O'Toole & Sbarbaro, P.C. is not responsible for the information on this blog which may not apply to every reader. Always seek professional counsel if you have any legal matters. Contents within the blog of The Law Office of O'Toole & Sbarbaro, P.C., logos and other related media are protected by the copyright laws of the United States and other jurisdictions.


Privacy Policy