A work-related gradual onset psychological injury is caused by repeated significant stressors at work. Most often, these kinds of injuries happen because of ongoing bullying or harassment in the workplace, and they are injuries that build up over time. 

Examples of Workplace Harassment and Bullying 

Some examples of behaviour or comments that might suggest workplace harassment and bullying are taking place. For more information, you can read the full psychological injury policy (PDF).

• Verbal aggression or yelling
• Calling someone insulting names
• Vandalizing personal belongings
• Sabotaging someone’s work
• Spreading gossip or rumours
• Engaging in hazing
• Making threats or personal attacks based on someone’s private life or personal characteristics
• Inappropriate sexual conduct

What Things are Generally Not Covered?

Day-to-day stressors in the workplace relating to interpersonal conflicts that arise out of labour relations, performance management, etc., are not covered by this legislation.

Examples of Behaviours or Actions that Are Not Considered Work-related Stressors:

• Expressing different opinions
• Making a valid complaint about someone’s actions following proper processes (e.g., labour relations) 
• Changing the work to be performed or the working conditions
• Asking workers to perform job duties, including workloads, deadlines and changes in work hours 
• Expecting workers to meet performance targets
• Firing, laying off, transferring, promoting, or reorganizing workers
• Disciplining or supervising workers
• Providing work instructions, supervision, feedback or advice about work-related behaviour and performance

Understanding What’s Covered: Psychological Injury Claim Scenarios

To learn more about the type of injury that is covered, check out the example psychological injury claim scenarios.