WHITEHORSE, Y.T. – The Yukon government is planning to follow the leads of Ontario and Alberta this year by adding a presumption clause to the Workers’ Compensation Act for first responders with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) – meaning that afflicted workers would not have to prove that their illnesses are work-related to collect benefits. In addition, the government is considering amending the territory’s Occupational Health and Safety Act to address workers’ mental health. The Yukon Workers’ Compensation Health and Safety Board (WCB) launched a public consultation about these issues on June 5, according to a news release from the Board, and it is asking for input from employers and other stakeholders on possible legislative updates. The WCB seeks responses to two questions – whether other occupations should also be considered for PTSD presumption, and whether the respondent would support legal amendments aiming to prevent mental-health injuries at work. “While a PTSD presumption for emergency-response workers is a good first step,” said WCB chair Mark Pike in a press statement, “preventing workplace mental-health injuries is equally important.” Interested individuals and organizations can submit their answers online at http://www.wcb.yk.ca/Consultations/PTSD/PG-0045.aspx.