Self-Assessment for Psychological Injury

See if your experience may qualify as a covered gradual onset psychological injury.

Find out if your situation might be covered by WCB

People can experience both physical and psychological injuries at work. A psychological injury can happen after a sudden traumatic event or build over time from serious stressors at work.

Use this self-assessment tool to see if you may be eligible for WCB benefits. It’s important to know that although WCB may not cover your injury, there are other treatment options in your community.

If, after using the tool, you think you may have a psychological injury claim, call a WCB Client Care Navigator at 1-833-491-8889.

Important: This assessment tool is to help give you information only, it does not file a claim or decide if your situation will qualify for WCB benefits.

Here are some examples:

  • Changes in the work you must perform
  • Changes in working conditions
  • Changes in working hours
  • Changes in workload, productivity expectations, or deadlines
  • Transfer to a new location
  • Changes in role (e.g. promotion) or a change of reporting structure
  • Changes to the physical layout of the workplace
  • Performance evaluation discussions and/or performance corrective actions
  • Disciplinary action (e.g. demotion, probation, or suspension), lay-off (temporary or permanent), termination for cause, or non-renewal of contract

Examples might include: 

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

Usually not covered:

  • People expressing different opinions
  • Being expected to meet performance targets
  • Discipline or supervision -such as receiving feedback, advice, and instructions about work related behaviour
  • Valid complaints about someone’s actions following the proper processes (e.g., labour relations)
  • Changes to the work or working conditions -such as performing duties, workloads and changes to working hours
  • Firing, laying off, transferring, promoting, or reorganizing workers

Based on your answers, you will not likely be eligible for benefits from the WCB.

WCB can only provide benefits and services for psychological injuries that are caused by work.

If you would like to talk about your situation further, please contact a WCB Client Care Navigator:

Please call 902-491-8888 or 1-833-491-8889, Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

As well, please take a look at these psychological health and safety resources.

Based on your answers, you will not likely be eligible for benefits from the WCB.

WCB generally can’t provide benefits or services for psychological injuries caused by an employer’s management decisions or actions, such as:

  • Changes in the work you must perform
  • Changes in working conditions
  • Changes in working hours
  • Changes in workload, productivity expectations, or deadlines
  • Transfer to a new location
  • Changes in role (e.g. promotion) or a change of reporting structure
  • Changes to the physical layout of the workplace
  • Performance evaluation discussions and/or performance corrective actions
  • Disciplinary action

We also can’t provide benefits or services for stress caused by normal workplace conflict such as arguments and disagreements, unless it is harassment or bullying.

If you would like to talk about your situation further, please contact a WCB Client Care Navigator: 

Please call 902-491-8888 or 1-833-491-8889, Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 

As well, please take a look at these psychological health and safety resources.

Based on your answers, you will not likely be eligible for benefits from the WCB.

To assess psychological injury claims, WCB requires a diagnosis from a qualified healthcare professional.

A Client Care Navigator would be happy to talk to you about this process and other next steps.

Please call 902-491-8888 or 1-833-491-8889, Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

As well, there are several psychological injury resources and supports that may be helpful.

You may be eligible for benefits.

To find out more, please contact a WCB Client Care Navigator:

902-491-8888 or 1-833-491-8889, Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

They can talk to you about your situation in more detail, answer questions, and help you decide if a WCB claim is right for you. If you decide to open a claim, you’ll need your Social Insurance Number and Health Card Number.

You can also talk to your employer about your situation. Together, you and your employer can fill out an injury report, which they can submit online.

Last updated: 2025-10-02
workers employers Psychological injuries