QUEEN’S PARK – NDP MPP Cheri DiNovo is calling for amendments to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act to address the issue of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) for front-line workers.
“Under current rules, front-line workers must go through painstaking steps in order to receive WSIB benefits based on post traumatic stress obtained at work,” said DiNovo.
Post-traumatic stress refers to an anxiety disorder that develops after exposure to a traumatic event or experience with symptoms that may include flashbacks, nightmares and intense feelings of fear or horror.
Sandra Hynds, chair of CUPE Ambulance workers of Ontario, stated that reforms to WSIB were necessary to get workers necessary help. “Often, workers are stigmatized with mental diseases like PTSD,” said Hynds. “Reforms like these would assist worker coming forward, getting necessary treatment and getting back to work. That is where trained paramedics belong,” she added.
Mark Ferguson, chair of CUPE local 416 representing Toronto EMS workers, also added his support.
“As with many Health and Safety issues in the workplace, post-traumatic stress disorder is impossible to predict and can occur to anyone at anytime. These changes assure that PTSD would be recognized as an occupational disease. As such, these workers are entitled to necessary benefits to get the treatment they need.” concluded DiNovo.
