February is Heart Month!
Given that February 14th is Valentine’s Day, a holiday that is usually associated with hearts, it’s probably not surprising that February is Heart Month. Here’s a quick reminder of why that’s important:
— Cardiovascular disease is the 2nd leading cause of death in Canada
— Men are more likely to die of a heart attack than women
— One in 12 Canadians over the age of 20 live with diagnosed heart disease
— High blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes are contributing risk factors
Doctors advise that pursuing a healthier lifestyle can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, and some heart-healthy lifestyle habits include:
— Eating better (fish, fruits and vegetables)
— Getting more exercise (low impact such as swimming or walking)
— Quitting smoking
— Limiting alcohol consumption
— Maintaining a healthy weight
— Reducing stress
As depressing as this may seem, the reality is that every one of us will likely be affected by cardiovascular disease — either directly or indirectly, through a loved one — at some point in our lives and Heart Month is a great reminder.
Cardiovascular Events and the WCB
Cardiovascular events, such as strokes and heart attacks, can happen at any time including the workplace. So, if a worker suffers a stroke or heart attack while they are on the job, does that mean their time-loss claim should be covered by WCB? The answer is more complicated than you might think.
The Worker’s Compensation Board assesses cardiac claims on a case by case basis to determine the full extent, if any, of the WCB’s liability. If there is any evidence the worker was exposed on the job or in the workplace to factors known or assumed to be associated with cardiovascular problems — and a relationship can be established between the time of the exposure and the cardiovascular event — then the claim may be acceptable.
Occupational exposure is defined but not limited to:
— Physical Causes: Direct blows or penetrating injuries to the heart, lack of oxygen or following significant physical exertion
— Chemical Causes: Exposure to chemicals or inhalation of noxious fumes that are known to cause cardiac conditions
— Occupational Causes: Exposure to infections, or heart disease secondary to another compensable condition such as lung disease
— Psychological Causes: Exposure to significant and acute psychological stress.
In many instances, a degree of cost relief is provided to employers for situations such as a pre-existing cardiac condition that was aggravated by occupational factors, or a presumptive causal relationship between work exposure and a heart attack.
Regardless of whether a heart attack or stroke that happens at work is compensable, knowing what to look for, when to react and how to respond can greatly improve outcomes and odds of survival. Every organization should have a Heart and Stroke policy as part of their Health and Safety Management program, including educational posters in the workplace, quick reference pocket cards and mobile phone apps. More information can be found at the Public Health Agency of Canada or the Heart and Stroke Foundation websites.
If you have concerns regarding a WCB claim or how to improve your Health and Safety Management program you can contact us directly, during business hours, using our chat feature, by phone at 1-844-377-9545, or you can reach us by email at [email protected], and you can always connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn.