Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from work is a growing concern across many different industries. Employers in California are no exception to this trend, especially those who operate in high-stress and high-risk environments. To help combat this issue, it’s important to understand the common causes of work-related PTSD in California. This information can help employers and employees alike create safer and more supportive environments to thrive.
While physical injuries often receive immediate attention, the invisible toll of traumatic workplace experiences can linger long after a physical injury has healed. This can impact an individual’s productivity, morale, and overall well-being. In 2023 alone, California recorded over 363,000 nonfatal occupational injuries and illnesses. It's a stark reminder that the workplace can pose extreme risks.
PTSD is a common mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. At work, this could include incidents of violence, severe accidents, or prolonged exposure to a high-pressure environment. For example, a warehouse worker who witnesses a co-worker become injured by a piece of machinery could later suffer from PTSD. Seeing the event happen could be so traumatizing that the non-injured employee could frequently experience flashbacks or anxiety. They may even have trouble returning to the job site where it happened.
Unlike temporary stress that fades, PTSD could require long-term treatment. This could make it more difficult for the employee to return to work or perform in the same way they did before the event.
Certain professions are more prone to experiencing these types of traumatic events at work. In California, state legislation SB 542 acknowledges the mental health challenges specific to employees by making it easier for them to receive workers’ compensation benefits. For example, according to its estimates, SB 542 could cost the state between $38 million and $179 million annually for peace officers and $10 million to $168 million for firefighters.
Jobs with a high risk for PTSD include:
The specific triggers for each person with PTSD vary, but there are some common causes to be aware of. All of these tend to involve a perceived or actual threat to life or serious injury.
In California, some key contributing factors to PTSD include:
Another factor contributing to the prevalence of PTSD is that many employees don’t share their emotions with others. Shockingly, only 13% of employees have reported telling a manager or supervisor that their mental health was suffering due to incidents at work. This makes it more difficult to help employees who may be struggling mentally.
A: To successfully prove a case of PTSD at work, the process typically involves providing documentation from a mental health professional. This documentation should confirm what the diagnosis is and that it has been linked to an experience at work. Therapy notes, medical records, or an official evaluation from a psychologist are all valid forms of documentation. An attorney can help ensure your documents are comprehensive.
A: In many cases, PTSD can be covered through workers’ compensation. The most important factor to ensure this program can cover PTSD treatment is linking it to a specific traumatic event that happened at work. If approved, compensation could help cover therapy sessions, certain medications, and any lost wages if you missed work as part of your treatment. To boost your odds of success, document everything and connect with an attorney early on.
A: Yes, certain toxic work environments can directly contribute to PTSD symptoms. Some examples of this include repeated bullying, harassment, and discrimination. It’s important to recognize that PTSD does not always stem from a singular event, like a traumatic work injury. It can also slowly grow over time. For instance, an employee may be harassed so much by their supervisor that even the thought of interacting with them can cause serious mental health symptoms.
A: If the symptoms you are experiencing seem to match those of work-related PTSD, start by speaking with a mental health counselor. They can help assess what is going on and validate the connection between your suffering and what is happening at work. It’s also helpful to inform someone at work of what is going on, like your HR department. This is especially true if you are requesting time off to deal with your suffering.
If you believe you are suffering from work-related PTSD, contact our firm today. We know exactly what to look for in these cases and can help put you on a path to recovery, both mentally and financially.
