The Manitoba government is introducing new amendments to the Workers Compensation Act that would make it easier for employees to have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) recognized as a work-related occupational disease. The legislation does that by creating the presumption that workers suffering from PTSD received the illness from the job, if diagnosed by a medical professional.
The amendments would not only apply to first responders, but expand coverage to all workers covered by the province’s Workers Compensation Board. It is a recognition from the government that PTSD is a disease that can affect all types of workers regardless of the job they perform. This level of coverage is unique to Manitoba.