First Responders are not the only workers who face dangerous circumstances in their jobs that can lead to mental stress injuries. For over a decade, this now 62-year-old worker served as an Educational Assistant (EA), providing support to students with special needs. However, her career came to an end in 2018, following a series of traumatic events which aggravated her pre-existing psychological condition.
This worker, who had a prior history of complex trauma, was assigned two students with severe behavioral challenges in September 2018. The worker experienced repeated violence, including being scratched, kicked, slapped, and bitten by the students. Despite attempts to seek reassignment and workplace accommodations, the worker continued to endure traumatic encounters.
In allowing her appeal, the Panel placed significant weight on the opinions of the treating medical professionals. This worker was diagnosed with PTSD which was linked to her repeated exposure to aggressive behaviours of students in her workplace. Her pre-existing symptoms were exacerbated by this repeated trauma.
The Panel also accepted the incidents of violence as described by the worker were objectively traumatic, contrary to the conclusions reached by the WSIB Appeals Resolution Officer.
This case underscores the importance of proper workplace accommodations and support for employees working in high-stress environments to protect them from psychological harm. The presence of a pre-existing vulnerability is not a bar to entitlement.
You can read this worker’s story here.