WSIB Prepares to Implement Chronic Mental Stress Coverage
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The WSIB will be making important decisions about the policy covering Mental Stress, effective January 1, 2018, in the next month. The September Board of Directors meeting will make decisions about the policy and major features of the program which will directly impact the decisions they will make about the 2018 Assessment premiums.
The decision on numerous program design features will determine not only the coverage features for recipients but the cost of the new benefits. The WSIB has advised employers that they are considering many features including if the work related test should be significant or predominance.
OGCA and other employers have argued for the predominance test which will require at least 50% of the stressor be work-related. Many believe that this will increase the likelihood that the policy will not be abused.
The cost of mental stress is being applied to the 2018 assessment rates which will need to generate a projected $150 million to cover 2018 claims costs. The WSIB in 2017 began to move towards target rates that are lower in most industries including construction but the new costs will result in smaller reductions and even increases for some.
