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Effective June 1, 2026, WorkplaceNL amended Policy EN-18 to extend workers' compensation coverage to psychological injuries caused by workplace harassment. Previously, psychological injuries were covered only for PTSD and certain trauma-related conditions. Under the new policy, workers diagnosed with harassment-related psychological injuries by a qualified healthcare provider may claim wage-loss benefits, health care benefits, and return-to-work services. Workplace harassment is defined as aggressive, intimidating, or discriminatory conduct occurring as repeated behaviour or a single serious event. The change affects approximately 230,000 workers and 17,000 employers in the province.
Newfoundland and Labrador expands workers' compensation to cover harassment-related psychological injuries from June 1, 2026
Effective June 1, 2026, WorkplaceNL amended Policy EN-18 to extend workers' compensation coverage to psychological injuries caused by workplace harassment. The change affects approximately 230,000 workers and 17,000 employers in Newfoundland and Labrador. Previously, the province covered psychological injuries only for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and certain trauma-related conditions.
Who is affected
All workers in Newfoundland and Labrador covered by the provincial workers' compensation system. Employers of all sizes operating in the province must comply with the expanded coverage requirements.
What's changing
WorkplaceNL added harassment-related psychological injury as a compensable condition under Policy EN-18. Workers diagnosed with psychological injuries caused by workplace harassment may now claim wage-loss benefits, health care benefits, and return-to-work services.
Under the amended policy, workplace harassment is defined as aggressive, intimidating, or discriminatory conduct occurring either as repeated behaviour or as a single serious event. To qualify for benefits, the worker must obtain a diagnosis from a physician, nurse practitioner, psychologist, or psychiatrist. WorkplaceNL will verify that harassment occurred in the workplace and may rely on findings from external investigations when adjudicating claims.
| Before June 1, 2026 | From June 1, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Psychological injuries covered only for PTSD and certain trauma-related conditions | Psychological injuries caused by workplace harassment now covered |
| No compensation for harassment-related psychological injury | Workers may claim wage-loss benefits, health care benefits, and return-to-work services |
What NEO partners and clients should do
- By June 1, 2026: Review workplace harassment policies and ensure compliance with provincial occupational health and safety standards
- Immediately: Train managers and supervisors on harassment prevention and response protocols
- Ongoing: Document and investigate harassment complaints promptly, as WorkplaceNL may reference external investigation findings when adjudicating claims
- When claims arise: Report psychological injury claims to WorkplaceNL when a worker files a claim related to workplace harassment
