The British Columbia Ministry of Labour has expanded the mental-health presumption under the Workers Compensation Act, adding 11 new occupations to the list. This update, announced this week, aims to facilitate quicker access to treatment and workers’ compensation benefits for psychological injuries for more CUPE members.
The newly included occupations are:
- Harm-reduction workers
- Respiratory therapists
- Shelter workers
- Social workers
- Transition house workers
- Victim service workers
- Withdrawal management workers
The mental health presumption expedites the claims process with WorkSafeBC, allowing workers faster access to treatment and compensation benefits once a psychological injury is formally diagnosed. This initiative ensures that those who provide essential care to others receive the necessary support in return.
Among the newly covered occupations, the role of harm-reduction workers is notably specified. These individuals work to reduce the risks associated with toxic drug poisoning and other drug-related harms by supporting and monitoring drug users. They primarily operate in various settings, including:
- Community environments
- Residential facilities offering supportive housing services
- Public health intervention sites, such as safe consumption locations or overdose prevention services
While any worker may experience traumatic events leading to psychological injury, those in occupations recognized under the WorkSafeBC presumption face a disproportionately higher risk.
There remains a need to develop psychologically healthy workplaces, particularly within the health and social services sectors. CUPE continues its advocacy for the safety of all workers and acknowledges the Ministry of Labour’s changes as significant strides toward providing essential support for those suffering from psychological injuries.
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