These fictional scenarios help to demonstrate what’s likely to be covered, and what is likely not. They were developed based upon the Workers' Compensation Act and psychological injury policy (PDF). Key factors include:

• The injury was caused by a significant work-related stressor(s), which includes a work-related traumatic event or workplace bullying and harassment.
• The injury was wholly or predominantly caused by one or more significant work-related stressors, and,
•  The worker must have a Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) diagnosis provided by a registered psychologist or psychiatrist.

Disclaimer: Like all injuries, each situation that involves a gradual onset psychological injury is unique. These sample scenarios provide likely outcomes based on the legislative criteria.

Josie

Josie is an administrative assistant who works from home. Her ex has been repeatedly calling her work cellphone to insult, threaten, and berate her.

Josie called the police, and her ex has been charged with criminal harassment.

Josie has been diagnosed with Trauma Disorder NOS (not otherwise specified).

Likely claim outcome: Probably not accepted. The significant stressor is not work-related.

Rosie

Rosie is an administrative assistant who works from home. One of Rosie’s clients started calling her work cell phone repeatedly to insult, threaten, and berate her.

Rosie called the police, and the client has been charged with criminal harassment.

Rosie has been diagnosed with Trauma Disorder NOS (not otherwise specified).

Likely claim outcome: Probably accepted. The significant stressor is a client, which qualifies the situation as work-related.

Marlos

Marlos is a gas station attendant. He saw on the news that there’s been an increase in armed robberies, and it really scared him.

During his last shift, Marlos was robbed. He hasn’t been able to stop thinking about it since.

Marlos is diagnosed with Panic Disorder.

Likely claim outcome: Probably accepted. Marlos was robbed at work.

Dawn

Dawn can’t stand one of her co-workers. Their desk is messy, they’re lazy, and Dawn has to carry their weight on team projects.

Everyone else is on Dawn’s side, but the supervisor refuses to fire the co-worker. Dawn is fed up.

Dawn is diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder.

Likely claim outcome: Probably not accepted. Interpersonal conflict is excluded in legislative criteria.

Shelly

Shelly is a machine operator. She’s been in a performance management program at work for being consistently tardy.

After arriving 15 minutes late again, Shelly’s boss screamed at her for an hour. He wouldn’t let her leave and was throwing things around his office.

Then he grabbed her arm and dragged her through the machine floor, packed up her locker, and threw her out in front of everyone. He shouted, “This is what happens when you’re a useless loser!”

Shelly is diagnosed with Depression.

Likely claim outcome: Probably accepted. Shelly is being bullied.