WA ambulance workers won’t have to prove PTSD was contracted at work

WA Ambulance Workers Won't Have to Prove PTSD Was Contracted at Work

Ambulance workers in Western Australia will no longer need to prove their post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was contracted at work to claim workers' compensation. From February 1, 2022, a PTSD presumption applies automatically to paramedics, ambulance officers and ambulance emergency communications officers, according to the WA Government.

This shift removes a significant barrier for frontline health workers seeking support after traumatic incidents on the job.

What the Change Means for Ambulance Workers

Previously, ambulance workers were required to prove a direct link between their job duties and a PTSD diagnosis before accessing compensation. Under the new presumption, that burden shifts. The onus of proof now falls on the employer or insurer if evidence exists to rebut the presumption, rather than on the worker having to prove PTSD was caused by their role.

For paramedics and emergency communications staff, this represents a meaningful step forward in workplace safety recognition, acknowledging the psychological toll of repeated exposure to critical incidents.

Government and Health Sector Response

Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson said ambulance staff are essential to the WA health system and regularly face traumatic scenes at work. She noted that recognising the mental health impact of these experiences is a critical part of supporting emergency workers long-term.

Industrial Relations Minister Bill Johnston confirmed that ambulance workers who contract PTSD following a traumatic workplace event can now make a claim for compensation without the added burden of proving causation. The government's decision reflects growing awareness across health services and emergency response sectors that psychological injury deserves the same recognition as physical harm.

Why This Matters for Workplace Safety

For safety professionals across construction, manufacturing and health services, this policy shift highlights a broader industry trend: presumptive PTSD legislation is gaining traction for workers regularly exposed to trauma. Firefighters, police and other emergency services personnel in various jurisdictions have seen similar protections introduced or proposed.

Organisations managing high-risk or emergency-response teams should consider how their own safety frameworks address psychological injury, not just physical hazards. Reviewing internal Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) and return-to-work processes can help ensure mental health risks are properly documented and managed.

Key Takeaways

• WA ambulance workers no longer need to prove PTSD was contracted at work to claim compensation.
• The presumption applies to paramedics, ambulance officers and emergency communications officers from February 1, 2022.
• Employers or insurers must now provide evidence to rebut the presumption, rather than workers proving causation.
• The change reflects a growing recognition of psychological safety within health services and emergency response roles.

For employers managing worker health and rehabilitation obligations, understanding return to work planning is essential when supporting staff recovering from psychological injury. Similarly, businesses reviewing their broader safety documentation may benefit from guidance on when a SWMS is required for high-risk work.

Read full story here.