Statement by Tom Teahen, President and CEO of the WSIB, on the Legislation to Support First Responders with PTSD

TORONTO, April 5, 2016 /CNW/ - The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) stands ready to implement Bill 163, Supporting Ontario's First Responders Act (Post-traumatic Stress Disorder), 2016 for workers with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Workers can be confident that the WSIB is here to provide timely benefits and services.  Our goal is to work with our health and safety partners to make Ontario a national leader in prevention and support of workers suffering from PTSD.

The WSIB has significant experience in providing sensitive and compassionate support for workers in difficult and often tragic circumstances. Dedicated teams have been established to help ensure workers with PTSD receive the services they need to help them access treatment, and return to work safely.

We will work with employers, including municipalities, to help them better understand the implications for premium rates.  Our experience in implementing the new legislation over the next few years will guide premium rate changes.

In recent years, the WSIB has made critical improvements to service delivery – improving the quality and speed with which we manage claims, providing quality care to workers and helping workers get back to work. Our recovery and return to work outcomes are among the best in the country, and we are continually striving to improve service to workers and employers.

We look forward to working with all our partners to implement this important legislation.

For PTSD inquiries, please call us at 1-800-387-0750 and we will be happy to assist you.

SOURCE Workplace Safety & Insurance Board

Christine Arnott, WSIB Public Affairs, [phone], [email protected]