Ontario Consulting on Chronic Mental Stress Policy

Ontario’s Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) has opened a consultation regarding its plans for supporting people who suffer from work-related chronic mental stress. The WSIB developed a draft policy to support legislation (Bill 127) passed by the Ontario government on May 17, 2017 as part of its 2017 Budget that allows compensation for work-related chronic mental stress. Work-related chronic mental stress is caused by a substantial work-related stressor or series of stressors. A work-related stressor would generally be considered substantial if it is excessive in intensity and/or duration compared with the normal pressures and tensions experienced by workers in similar circumstances. For example, work-related chronic mental stress could be the result of being subjected to harassment or bullying. Comments were due by July 7, 2017.