Bill allowing workers to file stress claims advances

The New York Senate on Monday passed legislation that would open the door for all workers who experience severe stress on the job to file a workers compensation claim for mental injuries associated with the stress.

S.B. 6373, which passed the Senate in a 44-19 vote, would modify current law to allow workers who sustain a mental injury as a result of “extraordinary work-related stress” to file a workers comp claim. The bill also states that the New York State Workers Compensation Board “may not disallow the claim upon a factual finding that the stress was not greater than that which usually occurs in the normal work environment.”

Currently, the law only applies to police officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians and dispatchers who suffer from mental injuries due to extraordinary work stress.

The bill has been delivered to the Assembly for consideration. If signed into law, it would take effect Jan. 1, 2022.