New coverage takes effect in PEI January 2025
The Workers Compensation Board (WCB) of Prince Edward Island has announced an expansion of its compensation coverage to include psychological injuries resulting from work-related harassment. This new coverage will be effective from January 1, 2025.
"The WCB has covered psychological injuries following traumatic incidents for some time already, and with this change we will now include incidents of work-related harassment," said Jim MacPhee, Chair of the WCB. "This enhanced coverage also aligns our compensation practices with our occupational health and safety (OHS) practices, which changed in 2020 when Workplace Harassment Regulations were included in the OHS Act."
The change is part of WCB’s ongoing efforts to ensure comprehensive coverage for all work-related injuries, recognizing the importance of both physical and psychological health. "We want to make sure Island employers and workers are aware that this change in compensation is coming and will be in effect on January 1, 2025," said Dan Campbell, CEO of the WCB. He expressed gratitude for the feedback received during stakeholder consultations earlier this year. "Physical and psychological health are equally as important when it comes to making sure workplaces are healthy and safe," Campbell added.
To support this new initiative, the WCB has introduced a Psychological Care Process to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment of work-related psychological injuries. This process includes access to psychologists and a network of counsellors. In 2023, psychological injury claims accounted for one percent of the total claims accepted by the WCB.
The WCB will be engaging with workplaces in the coming months to inform them of their rights and responsibilities under the new compensation coverage. This initiative is a part of WCB’s strategic plan to address the evolving and complex needs of workers and employers. Alongside enhancing compensation, efforts to prevent work-related harassment will continue as a parallel priority.
