The Rise of Mental Health in Workers’ Comp Claims
Awareness around mental health has grown rapidly in recent years—particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. No longer a taboo topic, the importance of taking care of your mental wellbeing has become more apparent than ever. So how is this affecting workers’ compensation claims?
Anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other conditions related to emotional distress are now recognized as legitimate workplace injuries in many states. This means that business owners and HR managers must learn to navigate not only the emotional toll mental stress plays on employees, but also the legal and financial impact.
Let’s dive into what qualifies as a mental health workers’ compensation claim, your responsibilities as an employer, and how OCMI Workers Comp can help you navigate mental health claims with care.
What Qualifies as a Mental Health Workers’ Comp Claim?
Traditional workers’ compensation claims typically involve a physical injury or an illness that occurs as a direct result of the job. While mental health claims are just as legitimate, they are also often more difficult to prove.
Under many state laws, workers may be compensated for psychological injuries if the condition is caused by job-related stress or if the employee has a diagnosed mental health condition like anxiety or depression. An employee might also receive compensation if the mental health issue occurred as a direct result of a specific event, like workplace violence or harassment.
Additionally, in some situations, if an employee experiences a mental injury due to a physical injury, they could pursue a workers’ compensation claim. For instance, a worker who develops depression after being bed-ridden from a back injury at work could potentially receive compensation from a mental health claim.
Workers’ compensation standards are constantly evolving and they vary from state-to-state, so it’s essential as an employer to be aware of what this could mean. Emotional distress can have a huge impact on your workers, and it’s more widely considered a valid workplace injury everyday.
Employer Responsibilities and Legal Risks
As a business owner or HR manager, you have both legal and ethical obligations when it comes to the mental health of your workers. First and foremost, it’s crucial to train managers and HR staff to recognize early signs of emotional distress so they can respond with compassion and clarity about next steps.
When a worker files a claim related to mental health issues in the workplace, the employer will typically need to demonstrate that the appropriate support systems, policies, and preventative measures were in place. Mental health claims can have a negative impact on your company’s reputation, and they can be a financial liability. As an employer, take preventative measures to help ensure the wellbeing of your employees.
How OCMI Workers Comp Navigates Mental Health Claims with Care and Compliance
Mental health claims can be complex. At OCMI Workers Comp, our team provides employers with the guidance and support they need to help make their way through these challenges.
1. Employee Resources
No matter what role you have at work, taking care of yourself should always be a top priority. OCMI can help implement employee wellness programs and work-life balance initiatives that address flexible work options and mental health issues.
2. Claims Management
When you work with OCMI, we step in to handle all claims management so that you can focus on the wellbeing of your team. OCMI is trained to handle mental health claims with care and compliance. Each claim is assessed fairly and documented thoroughly to protect both you as the employer and the injured employee.
3. Policy Development
OCMI can also assist in creating workplace policies that address emotional distress and work-life balance to help keep your employees thriving and prevent future mental health claims.
4. Compliance Support
As a business owner with a lot on your plate already, it can be difficult to keep up with the ever-changing rules and regulations surrounding workers’ compensation. OCMI specializes in staying up to date with those laws to ensure compliance.
Protect Your Business with Mental Health Guidance from OCMI
Awareness around mental health continues to grow over time. With the rise in mental health workers’ compensation claims, businesses should be ready to respond appropriately. OCMI Workers Comp is here to help your business manage mental health coverage, mitigate risks, and create a caring environment for your workers. Reach out to our experienced team at OCMI today to get the support you need.
