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OHS Essentials
JHSC TrainingEmergency Response PlanningEmployee Safety OrientationPrinciples of OHS ManagementIncident InvestigationHazard Identification and ControlSafety Culture 101Workplace InspectionsInstructional Skills WorkshopIntroduction to Workplace Mental HealthSmall Employer Program BuildingX-Ray Safety in the Workplace
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Journey to OSSE CertificationSafety Needs Analysis | GAP AnalysisOSSE Continual Improvement ProgramSafety Pinnacle AwardsOSSE/COR Audit ToolsOSSE/COR Hall of FameOSSE/COR NewsOSSE/COR Reference MaterialsCertified OSSE/COR External AuditorsCertified OSSE External Auditor TrainingOSSE/COR Internal Auditor Training
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About the Alliance: Our Story, Our People, Our Partners, COVID-19 Safety Plan, News, Make It Safe Conferences, Safety Pinnacle Awards, Sponsorship Opportunities, Research Projects
Member Highlights:
Upcoming Classes: Open Learning Classes
OHS Essentials: JHSC Training, Emergency Response Planning, Employee Safety Orientation, Principles of OHS Management, Incident Investigation, Hazard Identification and Control, Safety Culture 101, Workplace Inspections, Instructional Skills Workshop, Introduction to Workplace Mental Health, Small Employer Program Building, X-Ray Safety in the Workplace
Journey to OSSE Certification, Safety Needs Analysis | GAP Analysis, OSSE Continual Improvement Program, Safety Pinnacle Awards, OSSE/COR Audit Tools, OSSE/COR Hall of Fame, OSSE/COR News, OSSE/COR Reference Materials, Certified OSSE/COR External Auditors, Certified OSSE External Auditor Training, OSSE/COR Internal Auditor Training
Mental Health
The demand for workplace mental health programs, supports, and resources is greater than ever. It’s time to stop thinking of mental health as a taboo topic and remove the stigma of shame and fear around mental illness.
What is mental health?
Mental health is at a state of well-being where the individual realizes their own abilities, can cope with the everyday stresses of life, work productively and fruitfully, and contribute to their community.
Why is mental health in the workplace important?
The workplace can be an essential factor to maintain positive mental health – but it can also be a stressful environment that contributes to mental health issues. When our mental health starts to deteriorate, it can be hard to enjoy life like we used to. The total cost from mental health problems to the Canadian economy is more than $50 billion annually and can contribute to lost productivity from absenteeism, presenteeism, and turnover.
- Know the risk factors for mental health
- Understand the common signs and symptoms of mental health issues and how to recognize when an employee might be struggling with mental health issues
- Access tools, resources, and information to help address mental health in the workplace.
Mental illnesses are conditions in which a person’s mood and behaviours negatively impact their day-to-day functioning. These health problems can include depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, substance use, and other illnesses and addictions.
If you or someone in your workplace is experiencing a mental health crisis and needs immediate medical support, call 9-1-1.
Mental Health Hotlines
- 1-800-SUICIDE for individuals who are or know someone who is having thoughts of suicide. Available 24/7 in up to 140 languages.
- 310-Mental Health (310-6789) for individuals who would like emotional support, information, and resources specific to mental health.
- Health Authority crisis lines:
- Interior Health – 1-888-353-2273
- Fraser Health – 1-877-820-7444
- Vancouver Coastal Health – 1-866-661-3311
- Northern Health – 1-888-562-1214
- Island Health – 1-888-494-3888
Basic Training
Course
Mental health is feeling good about who you are, having balance in your life, and managing life’s challenges. It is the responsibility of both employers and employees to protect and promote mental health in the workplace to ensure people are psychologically safe. For an introduction to the fundamentals of workplace mental health, start with this 1-hour online course.
In this 6-hour, instructor-led course for leaders, learn to recognize and battle the stigma surrounding mental health. Understand the impact of mental health and mental illness on your team and on your own work—and how to respond to a worker in distress.
In this 45-minute, self-paced online course, workers learn to identify common signs and symptoms of mental health issues, to recognize stigma and reduce the impact. They learn practical strategies to respond to a co-worker experiencing a mental health issue.
Videos & Webinars
Developed in response to the wildfire emergency that B.C. is experiencing in August 2023, this session provides useful information for any crisis where people may experience anxiety. This webinar provides valuable insights and tools for anyone who may be experiencing...
Mental Health Resources and Tools
safetyalliancebc.ca
Mental Wellness at Work Make It Safe Expert Series WorkshopFree Members-Only Event Thurs, Sept 21 | 9:00am – 2:00pm Join us in Langley on September 21 for a free, members-only workshop on mental health at work. Learn new skills for a more supportive work environment. This engaging session will cover workplace mental health awareness, addressing […]
To foster a pragmatic integrated approach to workplace mental health in Canada, the Workforce Advisory Committee (WAC) of the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC) collaborated with the Centre for Applied Research in Mental Health and Addiction (CARMHA) at Simon Fraser University to examine the relevant scientific and ‘grey’ literature on approaches to improving the mental health of employees.
safetyalliancebc.ca
About the project The Manufacturing Safety Alliance of BC is working with industry, mental health, academic, government, and labour experts to develop a mental health strategy for the manufacturing sector. This strategy and plan will define a way forward to enable employers to integrate psychological health and safety into their OHS management systems. Manufacturing Sector […]
Please take a few minutes to participate in our workplace mental health survey (approximately 5-7 minutes). Your feedback is important to help us create a workplace mental health strategy that works for ALL manufacturers in British Columbia.
This workbook is intended for: Working people with low mood, who may be at risk for developing depression; Working people who have developed a mild or major depression; Partners, family members, friends or workplace colleagues who want to help; Employers, supervisors or managers concerned about their staff; Treatment providers who would like a tool to use as an adjunct to their clinical treatment.
Workplace mental health has never been more important. BC’s Hub for Workplace Mental Health is here to help.
Conference Session
While there are certainly skills we can teach and learn that help us cope with stress, sustainable resilience in the workplace requires a more radical approach to fixing the problems in our work environments that are impacting our employees’ health, safety, and well-being.In this session, we look at: New strategies to work with our people […]
Watch on DemandWebsite
BounceBack® is a free skill-building program designed to help adults and youth 15+ manage low mood, mild to moderate depression, anxiety, stress or worry. Delivered online or over the phone with a coach, you will get access to tools that will support you on your path to mental wellness.
This document answers some of the frequently asked questions relating to mental disorder claims.
Website
Guarding Minds at Work is a comprehensive resource to help you assess and address psychological health and safety in your workplace.
Conference Session
Understand the importance of emotional intelligence in leading and supporting a psychologically safe workplace. This interactive session will equip you with practical tools and strategies to improve self-awareness, empathy, and communication skills. Learn how to strengthen workplace relationships and create a safe, inclusive work environment that fosters a culture of trust, respect, and well-being in […]
Unfortunately, due to stigma and unfair stereotypes about mental illness, it can be difficult for people to speak up about their mental health. It can be a lot easier to share that you have a physical illness, an injury, or some other form of physical disability than it is to disclose that you’re going through a mental health crisis.
Conference Session
What does it mean to be a psychologically safe workplace—and what role can an effective Safety Committee or Worker Rep play in helping to support a psychologically safe work environment? Find out as we explore the role of the Committee in a healthy workplace.
Watch on DemandMental Health First Aid is the help provided to a person developing a mental health problem, experiencing a mental health crisis, or a worsening of their mental health.
Toolbox Talk
The workplace can be an essential factor to maintain positive mental health – but it can also be a stressful environment that contributes to mental health issues. When our mental health starts to deteriorate, it can be hard to enjoy life like we used to. The total cost from mental health problems to the Canadian […]
Website
We spend a great deal of our time at work, and the financial and human costs of workplace mental health issues can be huge.
Conference Session
Businesses that focus on profit without considering the well-being of their employees often reap unintended impacts—from absenteeism and high turnover to lower productivity, toxic culture, and damage to their brands. In this session, uncover new strategies to help you build a supportive environment that promotes well-being and resilience. Find out what steps other companies have […]
Msabc Event
Make It Safe Expert Series Workshop | Free Members-Only Event
This engaging session will cover workplace mental health awareness, addressing crucial topics such as bullying and harassment. Discover effective strategies for building resilience—and equip yourself and your team to overcome challenges and thrive at work.
This engaging session will cover workplace mental health awareness, addressing crucial topics such as bullying and harassment. Discover effective strategies for building resilience—and equip yourself and your team to overcome challenges and thrive at work.
Conference Session
With mental health claims on the rise, employers are seeing firsthand the detrimental impacts of stress on employee performance and well-being. Proactive measures to manage stress—and to minimize systemic stressors at work—can lead to improved performance, job satisfaction, and overall well-being. Learn to identify the short-term effects of stress on the job, including impaired concentration […]
Watch on DemandTalking about mental health at work can be challenging. But becoming more aware of signs of mental illnesses, and learning how to have those difficult discussions are part of being an effective leader.
Disability management can be complex, even for what we might call “typical” physical injuries. Add a psychological element to a claim, and many employers feel completely paralyzed, unprepared to handle things appropriately and effectively. The sad reality is that many workers who are off work at least in part due to mental illness do not […]
Watch on Demand“Workplace wellness is a commitment by an employer to cultivate a work environment that promotes the health and wellness of its employees.”
If you have someone in your family with a mental illness, you may be wondering what is going on.
Virtual services are available for British Columbians who are experiencing anxiety, depression or other mental health challenges.
Toolbox Talk
Workplace bullying and harassment are behaviours that hurt, threaten, or frighten another person and can take many forms. Bullying and harassment can happen in any workplace, even if it’s not always obvious. This toolbox talk will help supervisors and managers begin the discussion with staff around recognizing and identifying workplace bullying and harassment.
An information fact sheet from WorkSafeBC with some basic information and links to legislation regarding bullying and harassment. Contains information for employers and workers.
Workplace Mental Health and Wellness Consulting Health and safety goes beyond the physical. The Manufacturing Safety Alliance of BC offers workplace mental health, wellness, and psychological safety consulting, coaching, and training to support you. While we do not offer individual counselling, we can offer advice and referrals as well as more in-depth consulting and training […]
News & Blog Articles
Beyond the mask – life after the pandemic
December 14, 2021
by Andrea McKinlay Exploring the psychological experience of taking off our masks. While many of us dream of the day we can step into a mask-less future, the thought of discarding them for good is a source of anxiety for others. For many, the...
Creating a workplace that supports mental health
March 11, 2021
An innovative work environment enhancement program from Sensitivity Training Canada, the 3-Step Respect in the Workplace Sensitivity Training program helps create workplaces that support mental health. Employers are required to protect the mental health of their employees while they are...
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