Psychological injuries are a growing issue in workplaces across Canada.

In March, 2014, after significant consultation, the WCB introduced Policy 1.3.9 to better reflect current practice with regard to how psychological injuries are compensated under the Workers’ Compensation Act (the Act).

The policy clarifies the legislated authority around the compensation of psychological injury on the job.

Currently, the Act sets out that the psychological impact of an acute reaction to a traumatic event can be considered an “accident,” for the purposes of determining entitlement to compensation.

The new policy clarifies that psychological injuries may be compensable not only when they are due to an acute reaction to a single traumatic event, but the effects of multiple traumatic events over time.
 
This clarification brings Nova Scotia’s approach to these types of injuries become more in step with the way they are compensated in other parts of the country.

For more information:

Policy 1.3.9
 
Consultation archive and summary