Policy listing

Psychological Injuries – Psychological Injury Presumption (Section 28.1) (POL 11/2025 and PRO 11/2025)

This policy and procedure, effective May 1, 2025, clarify the criteria required by the psychological injury presumption set out in Section 28.1 of the Act. A worker or former worker, who:

• Suffers from a psychological disorder diagnosed in accordance with the DSM by a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist and
• Was exposed to a traumatic event in the course of employment, is presumed to have a work-related psychological injury, unless the contrary is proven.

Psychological Injuries – General Injury Presumption (Section 27) (POL 12/2025 and PRO 12/2025)

This new policy and procedure, effective May 1, 2025, provide adjudication guidelines for psychological injury claims that do not meet the psychological injury presumption. This includes:

• Claims where there may be a traumatic work-related event, but the DSM diagnosis has not been provided by a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist and/or
• Claims where there are substantial work-related stressors (e.g., harassment, bullying, excessive workload, etc.) that have led to a claim.

The WCB will determine if it is more likely than not that a traumatic work-related event or a substantial work-related stressor are substantial contributing factors to the psychological injury. Staff may use the “but for” test to assist with decision making.

Arising Out Of and In the Course Of Employment (POL 16/2025 and PRO 16/2025)

This policy and procedure outline how WCB determines if an injury arose out of and in the course of employment.

The documents have been updated to include additional guidelines to assist determining injury causation and work-relatedness when numerous factors (work-related and non-work-related) cause or contribute to an injury, disease or death. This policy and procedure update are effective June 1, 2025.

Disaster Reserve (POL 18/2025)

The Disaster Reserve policy establishes guidelines for providing claims cost relief to employers in the event of a work-related disaster.

The policy outlines the criteria for determining when an event qualifies as a disaster and the process for charging claims costs to the Disaster Reserve.

The policy has been amended to remove the WCB’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) from the Disaster Reserve Review Committee (DRRC), effective June 1, 2025. The CEO may be brought in to assist the Vice President of Operations, the Vice President of Prevention and Employer Services, and the Chief Financial Officer as required.