On behalf of the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC), Louise Bradley, President and CEO, made the following statement.
“Today, the Mental Health Commission of Canada joins with employers and workers across the country to remember and honour those who have lost their lives, or experienced an injury, while carrying out their jobs.
As we reflect on these tragic fatalities, as well as the suffering born from work-related injury or disease, it is important to expand our understanding of occupational health and safety. While it is paramount that we renew our collective commitment to protecting the physical safety of workers, we must also strive to safeguard the psychological health and well-being of employees.
Increasingly, we are learning about the detrimental effect of untreated occupational stress injuries, like Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and depression, which predominantly impact first responders, humanitarian workers and front line care providers, among many others. However, prioritizing psychological safety at work extends beyond these more acute examples, and includes creating workplaces free of harassment, bullying, unmanageable workloads and poor management practices.
In order to address these challenges, many Canadian employers are turning to the National Standard of Canada for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace (Standard). An international first, championed by the MHCC, the Standard is a voluntary set of guidelines, tools and resources that is reshaping how employers approach protecting the psychological health of their workers.
The MHCC stands with the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety in this annual observance, and to strengthen resolve to establish safe and healthy conditions in the workplace.
ABOUT THE MENTAL HEALTH COMMISSION OF CANADA
The Mental Health Commission of Canada is a catalyst for change. We are collaborating with hundreds of partners to change the attitudes of Canadians toward mental health problems and to improve services and support. Our goal is to help people who live with mental health problems and illnesses lead meaningful and productive lives. Together we create change. The Mental Health Commission of Canada is funded by Health Canada.
www.mentalhealthcommission.ca | strategy.mentalhealthcommission.ca
Media Contact:
Hélène Côté, Senior Communications Advisor, Public Affairs
Mental Health Commission of Canada
Office: 613.683.3952
Mobile: 613.857.0840
hcote@mentalhealthcommission.ca
