OWSIB 2019

The worker, a former police officer and dive team member, appealed a Case Manager's decision denying him entitlement to benefits for Chronic Mental Stress (CMS).

The worker claimed his psychological conditions, including anxiety disorder and alcohol dependence, resulted from cumulative exposure to traumatic events, such as recovering dead bodies, during his time as a police diver from 1986 to 1998.

The Appeals Resolution Officer allowed the appeal, placing significant weight on a comprehensive psychological assessment from CAMH which concluded the worker's conditions were directly attributable to his workplace trauma.

The Officer found that the worker's duties involved a high degree of routine stress and extremely dangerous circumstances, satisfying the criteria under the WSIB's CMS policy.

The worker, a security guard, appealed a case manager's decision denying entitlement for Traumatic Mental Stress (TMS) and Chronic Mental Stress (CMS).

The worker alleged that verbal abuse and threats from the public while monitoring a parking lot caused her mental stress, exacerbating her bipolar disorder.

The Appeals Resolution Officer denied the appeal, finding that the incidents did not constitute objectively traumatic events under the TMS policy, nor did they amount to substantial work-related stressors under the CMS policy.

Furthermore, the medical evidence indicated the worker primarily stopped working to care for her ill mother, not due to workplace stressors.

The worker's estate sought reconsideration of a 2000 Appeals Resolution Officer decision denying entitlement for chest disease (silicosis and COPD).

The worker had a history of employment in the mining industry and a 36-pack-year smoking history.

The Appeals Manager reviewed the worker's exposure to respirable dust, including McIntyre Powder (aluminum dust), and found that the cumulative exposure fell well short of the minimum threshold required to significantly contribute to the development of COPD.

Furthermore, the worker was never diagnosed with silicosis.

The reconsideration was denied, and entitlement for silicosis and COPD was denied.

The worker appealed the denial of entitlement for Traumatic Mental Stress (TMS) and Chronic Mental Stress (CMS) following an incident where a co-worker slammed a mail tray near her, and alleged ongoing workplace harassment and bullying.

The Appeals Resolution Officer found that the tray-slamming incident was not objectively traumatic under the TMS policy.

Furthermore, the ongoing conflicts with co-workers, management, and the union were characterized as typical interpersonal conflicts and employment disputes, which do not meet the standard for CMS entitlement.

The worker's objection was denied.

The worker, a library employee, appealed the denial of entitlement for chronic mental stress.

She claimed her stress resulted from a tense relationship with her manager, lack of support, and incidents involving unruly clients.

The Appeals Resolution Officer found that the interpersonal conflicts and managerial decisions were part of the normal employment function.

Furthermore, the incidents with clients were not considered substantial work-related stressors given the nature of the public work environment.

The appeal was dismissed.

The worker appealed a WSIB decision denying entitlement for Chronic Mental Stress (CMS).

The worker alleged that he developed a psychological condition due to constant harassment, bullying, and a lack of training from his supervisor.

The Appeals Resolution Officer found that the interactions between the worker and the supervisor, while unpleasant, fell within the domain of ordinary management/worker interactions and did not constitute a substantial work-related stressor.

Furthermore, the worker failed to provide a complete psychological assessment with a DSM diagnosis.

The appeal was dismissed.

The worker appealed a Case Manager's decision denying entitlement to benefits for Traumatic Mental Stress and Chronic Mental Stress.

The worker claimed she developed mental stress after her parents, who also worked for the employer, were subjected to workplace harassment and she was forced to work with the accused individual.

The Appeals Resolution Officer dismissed the appeal, finding that the events were not objectively traumatic and did not constitute a substantial work-related stressor.

Furthermore, there was no medical evidence on file to support a diagnosed mental stress injury.