WSIB and Heart Attacks

There is a presumption under the Board policy that if an accident occurs at work it occurs in the course of employment. This holds true for heart attacks. Even though certain risks factors may exist such as high blood pressure, being overweight or smoking, if an individual does not have any preexisting heart conditions the Board is to examine the circumstances surrounding the heart attack. A worker that was engaged in any type of overexertion at the time of the heart attack or death should be granted benefits despite the preexisting risk factors. If the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) fails to grant benefits this issue is certain worth a review and appeal to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Tribunal (WSIAT). See tribunal cases 851/91, 339/87, 244/87.