As of September 2024, gradual onset psychological injury is covered by workers’ compensation in Nova Scotia. Under the legislation and policy, injuries resulting from gradual onset or traumatic psychological injury are eligible for compensation when there is a:

• Significant workplace stressor: The worker’s psychological injury must be caused by a significant work-related stressor. Primarily, these stressors are caused by bullying or harassment. Interpersonal conflicts, or the actions or decisions of the employer relating to the worker’s employment, are not considered to be work-related stressors.
• Professional diagnosis: The worker must have a psychological injury diagnosis made by a registered psychiatrist or psychologist. 
• Cause of injury: The psychological injury is wholly or predominantly caused by those significant work-related stressors arise out of and in the course of employment.  

In rare cases, the WCB may consider other stressors to be significant if:

• They have lasted for an extended period of time
• They arise from events or actions that are serious and egregious in nature

AND

• Are beyond the normal pressures and tensions of employment

Gradual onset psychological injuries can also be caused by things you experience outside of work. However, these types of injuries that are not work-related are not covered by the WCB. 

Find out more about bullying and harassment.