Changes to WorkSafeBC legislation and policies could push employer premiums up and open the door for fines, according to the BC Human Resources Management Association (BCHRMA).
Newly passed provincial legislation went into effect July 1 to expand the kinds of mental stress-related claims that employees can make.
Claims will now be categorized as mental disorders, not simply mental stress. In addition, employees may now claim mental disorders caused by significant workplace stressors such as a series of traumatic events, including bullying and personal harassment.
Previously, mental stress claims had to be connected to a single traumatic event.
Another change is that employees now need a diagnosis from a psychiatrist or psychologist to make any claim. Previously, such a diagnosis had to come from a physician.
“There are a couple ways you can look at the cost. First, there’s the investment needed for managers around any kind of workplace harassment or bullying issues,” he told Business in Vancouver July 3.
“There’s also the possibility that employers could face fines because WorkSafeBC does audits of companies.”
