Traumatic Psychological Injury —a guide for employers
Understand what’s covered and how to get help
People can experience physical or psychological injuries at work. Psychological injuries may happen suddenly after a traumatic event, or gradually as serious stressors at work build over time.
Traumatic psychological injury (TPI) is psychological harm from traumatic work events that involve a threat of death or serious harm. It can follow a single incident or repeated exposure.
For first responders, TPI often develops after multiple traumatic events and can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). If a worker is a first responder, see the PTSD in First Responders program for tailored supports and information.
This page explains what TPIs are covered and provides next steps.
During the claim process, WCB explains what to expect and connects workers with confidential support. When it’s safe, staying connected to work can help workers heal. If time away is needed, WCB will help you plan an early and safe return to work based on the worker’s abilities.
What is a traumatic psychological injury (TPI)
A TPI is a condition that typically results from a sudden, frightening or shocking event. The event usually involves actual or a threat of serious harm or serious injury.
To qualify for coverage, a registered psychologist or psychiatrist must diagnose the worker’s condition. If an assessment is needed, WCB can arrange it, and WCB will cover the cost.
Looking for information about a different kind of injury?
Get information on gradual onset psychological injuries, PTSD in first responders, or the claims process for physical injuries.
Find out if a worker’s situation might be covered
Every situation is different. Your worker can complete the psychological self-assessment to see if what they are experiencing might be covered by WCB.
What’s covered
Coverage generally applies when all of the following are true:
- The injury followed 1 traumatic event at work
- The event involved a threat of serious harm or was emotionally shocking
- A licensed psychologist or psychiatrist provides clinical information to support the claim
- The injury is primarily work-related
Examples of events that may qualify
- Witnessing a fatal incident
- Experiencing a physical assault or armed robbery
- Being first on scene to a horrifying incident
- Handling graphic or horrific material in a single incident
What’s not covered
TPI coverage does not usually apply when:
- The condition is not primarily related to work
- There is no clinical diagnosis from a psychologist or psychiatrist
- The event did not meet the threshold of a traumatic workplace event
- Situations that are upsetting but not traumatic, without a threat of serious harm
How to open a claim
A psychological injury can feel overwhelming. It’s normal for workers to be anxious about starting a claim. WCB guides you and the worker throughout the process. WCB has a specially-trained team to provide the support you both need.
Learn how to open a psychological injury claim.
Return-to-work planning and support
Whether someone experiences a physical or psychological injury, staying connected to work plays a meaningful role in recovery. An important milestone in recovery from a psychological injury is being able to work. WCB is here to support you, the worker, and the health care provider every step of the way.
Learn about return-to-work for psychological injuries.
Employer Responsibilities
As an employer, you are responsible for keeping your workplace free of physical and psychological safety hazards. You are also responsible for supporting workers if they are injured in your workplace. The WCB is here to help.
Resources and related pages
- How a psychological injury claim is decided — Learn what information WCB gathers, who reviews the claim, and how decisions are made.
- Your psychological injury support team — Meet the people who guide workers through claims and recovery.
Have questions? Contact a client care navigator.
If you have questions about opening a claim or the claim process, a client care navigator is the place for you or your worker to start. They are the first point of contact for psychological injury claims.
Call: 1-833-491-8889 or 902-491-8888