J Mangoff

The worker, a school principal, appealed the denial of entitlement for traumatic and chronic mental stress injuries following repeated harassment and social media defamation by a student's parent.

The Appeals Resolution Officer found that while the events did not meet the threshold for a traumatic mental stress injury, the parent's egregious and abusive conduct constituted a substantial work-related stressor.

The worker's appeal was allowed, granting entitlement for a chronic mental stress injury (acute adjustment disorder).

The employer appealed a decision granting the worker entitlement for a low back soft tissue injury.

The worker reported experiencing severe lower back pain after bending over to pick up an egg carton at work, which subsequently required hospitalization.

The employer argued there were discrepancies in the accident history and a delay in reporting.

The Appeals Resolution Officer found that the worker suffered a personal injury by accident that arose out of and in the course of employment, and that the diagnosis of a low back sprain/strain was compatible with the accident history.

The employer's appeal was denied and entitlement was confirmed.