WorkSafeBC consults on potential changes to mental disorder policy

WorkSafeBC has released a discussion paper on potential changes to its Mental Disorder Policy. RCC notes for members that psychological injury-only mental disorder claims have increased dramatically in the past five years. It is likely that the proposed changes would increase the number of mental disorder claims. A 2018 report by Paul Petrie encouraged WorkSafeBC to make two changes:

1. Amend the definition surrounding “significant work-related stressor” by removing a requirement for it to be unusual. Most Canadian jurisdictions include a similar requirement that the stressor be beyond the normal pressure or do not provide any compensation for stressor-induced mental disorders.
2. Clarifying the definition of the “labour relations exclusion” in the Workers Compensation Act. All Canadian jurisdictions, except Quebec, have a similar exclusion.