As of January 1, 2016, if a worker in Manitoba is exposed to certain types of traumatic events and is diagnosed* with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), the WCB can presume the PTSD is caused by the worker's employment, unless the contrary is proven.
The intention of the presumption is to reduce stigma around mental illness and to make it simpler in some cases to establish a causal connection between PTSD and a worker's employment.
Presumption Details
- The PTSD presumption is not limited to a specific occupation, recognizing that PTSD-triggering events can happen in any workplace.
- The presumption only applies to certain types of cases involving PTSD and does not apply to other work-related psychological injuries.
- If there is evidence that the PTSD was caused by something not related to the worker's job, the presumption may be rebutted.
It is important to note that work-related psychological injuries and PTSD have always been covered by the WCB. The WCB has always investigated PTSD claims and this will not change with the new presumption.
For more information about the PTSD presumption, see FAQ - PTSD Presumption.
How to File a Claim
If you or someone in your workplace is dealing with the effects of a traumatic workplace incident, the WCB is here to help. To make a claim, the worker should report the injury to their employer, talk to their doctor or ask to be referred to a psychologist or psychiatrist and contact the WCB (How to Report an Injury).
Learn More
- FAQ - PTSD
- FAQ - PTSD Presumption
- Policy 44.05.30 - Adjudication of Psychological Injuries
- WCB Act and Regulations
- Report on PTSD Presumption Consultations (June 2015)
Links
- The Canadian Mental Health Association, Manitoba and Winnipeg
- DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for PTSD
- How to File a Claim - Workers
- Filing a Claim - Employers
*The worker must be diagnosed by a physician or psychologist in accordance with the most recent "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders" published by the American Psychiatric Association.