Guest Blogger:
Andrea Barnes, CHRL, NCSO, P.GSC
Manager, Health & Safety
Elgin Contracting and Restoration Ltd.

As a Construction Safety Professional with over 20 years, I have seen a positive shift in the way Health & Safety is focused and prioritized in the workplace. In addition to traditional safety topics such as hazards, controls, planning and the usual suspects like heights, electricity and moving machines, a focus has now been placed on mental health and wellbeing. These must be considered the foundation for a truly safe and healthy work environment. 

Mental Health and wellbeing go beyond what we seem to think of as only drug, alcohol, or other dependency concerns and professional or Dr. Google diagnosis. Many people are experiencing more stressors such as financial issues, family, and health issues. These may be short or long term and are often difficult to leave at the door when arriving at work.  In addition to workplace demands of schedules, budgets and daily tasks, workers can become overwhelmed and inadvertently put themselves or others in a compromised safety sensitive position.

As an employer and colleague, we should all consider everyone has life outside of work and most are truly trying to do their best. 

Some considerations for a Healthy Workplace can include:

• Open and honest communication with Management and Workers.  Providing positive feedback more and constructive feedback when required.
• A solid Violence and Harassment Program.
• A well-managed Fit for Work Program.
• A collaborative Return to Work Program.
• An inclusive environment where people can openly and readily share ideas and opinions.
• An Employee Assistance Program.
• Participation in Management Workshops to learn how to identify signs and symptoms of workers in distress, dependency issues and techniques to aid them.

While most Safety and HR professionals are not qualified therapists, it is important for us all to be aware of our workers and their behaviours. Seeking out resources such as CCOHS, IHSA, CMHA, Unions, Company Management and community sources may provide some assistance for our workers.

To truly invest in health and safety in the workplace is to truly be invested in the workers, their mental wellbeing as much as their physical being.

Tomorrow is Day five of National Construction Safety Week: Building a Culture of Safety 

Mental Health in Construction Resources:
Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA)
Government of Canada 
Mental Health Crisis Service.
IHSA Took kits to support mental health in the construction industry
Order Naloxone kits for your workplace
IHSA Safety Podcast: Workplace Mental Health