Physical injuries that occur in workplaces are typically compensable through the employer’s workers’ compensation insurance. Yet, a new report highlights the importance of realizing that it is not just physical injuries that can leave a person unable to work.
The report looked at what it calls psychosocial hazards in the workplace – defining these as “factors in the work environment that can cause stress, strain, or interpersonal problems for the worker.” Worringly it is predicted that these will soon be costing employers and the economy more than physical injuries, so it is clearly in everyone’s interest to address this worrying trend.
Claiming is only possible in some circumstances
Some states are ahead of others in realizing the importance of giving workers the compensation they need to deal with workplace related mental health issues. Virginia still has a long way to go, unfortunately. A mental health condition that is down to no one event, but rather months or years of constant pressure is unlikely to be accepted as a valid basis for a claim – even when it leaves you totally unable to work.
Those in certain high-stress professions may have a slightly easier time of things if needing to claim, but even then it won’t be easy as they must still meet very specific conditions. Examples include firefighters, first responders or police officers – the sort of people who deal with traumatic death and injury on a regular basis.
Anyone suffering with mental health issues due to their work may want assistance to learn more about whether they will be able to put in a claim for workers’ compensation, and if so, to file that claim effectively.
