Some terms used in discussions of mental health have specific meanings. The brief explanations below may be helpful.

Mental or psychological health: A state of mental well-being in which the individual realizes their own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to their own community. [Source: World Health Organization]

Psychological health and safety: Psychological health and safety is embedded in the way people interact with one another on a daily basis and is part of the way working conditions and management practices are structured and how decisions are made and communicated. [Source: Canadian Standards Association]

Psychologically healthy and safe workplace: A workplace that promotes employees’ psychological well-being and actively works to prevent harm to worker psychological health, including in negligent, reckless, or intentional ways. [Source: Canadian Standards Association]

Psychological injury: A mental health condition, including mental disorders, especially when the mental health condition or disorder is thought to be caused by exposure to potentially psychologically traumatic events and other stressors. [Source: Canadian Institute for Public Safety Research and Treatment]

To qualify for WorkSafeBC benefits, a psychological injury must have happened at work and resulted in a diagnosed mental health condition.

Please note: Historically, WorkSafeBC has referred to “mental stress” or “mental health conditions,” and section 55 of the Workers Compensation Act refers to “mental disorders.” At WorkSafeBC, we have chosen to refer to a worker’s psychological injury unless the context is related to law or policy.

Psychological-injury-only claims: Claims where a psychological injury is the only injury on the claim. (Claims with a physical and psychological injury are largely claims where a psychological injury develops as a consequence of a physical injury, but also include claims where there are concurrent psychological and physical injuries arising out of the same incident.)

Psychological risks: Factors that can negatively affect psychological health and safety.

Psychosocial hazards: Social, behavioural, or psychological conditions within the workplace or work we do that can negatively affect our psychological and physical health.