BCFED President Sussanne Skidmore says that Monday’s announcement from the BC Ministry of Labour extending presumption to more workers for psychological injury coverage is an important step forward.

“It’s good to see these new occupations join those with fast-tracked claims and timely access to treatment and Workers’ Compensation Board benefits when they suffer a workplace psychological injury,” Skidmore said.

“But as BC’s unions have pointed out, every worker could potentially be exposed to a traumatic event or events and sustain a psychological injury . And there’s no good reason to make them jump through extra hoops to get the support they deserve.”

Under presumption, workers who sustain psychological injuries as a result of work-related trauma don’t have the added burden of proving those injuries were caused by their work; the WCB presumes they were unless the employer proves otherwise. Without presumption, the burden of proof is on the worker.

“Presumptive coverage is a good thing – it helps workers get the treatment they need quickly, and the support they need to return to work,” said BCFED Secretary-Treasurer Hermender Singh Kailley.

“Now let’s take the next step. We urge the government to clear the path for all workers who suffer a workplace psychological injury. Provinces like PEI and Saskatchewan have done this; it’s time BC extended presumptive coverage to all workers.”