Spring has sprung; April 2024 is already here! As we embrace the changing seasons, it’s crucial to remain vigilant about health and safety in our workplaces. In this month’s bulletin, we’ll highlight key reminders and initiatives to ensure the wellbeing of all employees.
National Day of Mourning
Every year on April 28, Canada observes the National Day of Mourning; dedicated to remembering those who have lost their lives, suffered injury or illness on the job, or experienced a work-related tragedy. It is also internationally recognized by the United Nations as the World Day for Safety and Health at Work. In Alberta, across Canada, and over 100 other countries, April 28 is a time to think about the individuals, families, and communities impacted by these tragedies – and to commit to preventing such accidents in the future.
Injuries and deaths in the workplace continue to be a matter of important concern across Canada; with the highest rate of injury occurring in construction and hospitality industries. Canadians work hard each day to try to minimize accidents and incidents. Risk is an inherent element of many jobs, and this is why safety should be one of the core values in any workplace.
The day will be marked in many ways, as commemorative events take place across the country and around the world. We encourage organizations, employees, communities, and individuals to hold or support an event, or to simply observe a moment of silence at 11 a.m. on April 28.
The Dark Figures of Incident Reporting
The Association of Workers’ Compensation Boards of Canada (AWCBC) reported 993 workplace fatalities in Canada in 2022, including 33 deaths among young workers aged 15-24.
However, research from the University of Washington in 2019 suggested that even the most conservative estimates indicate half of work-related injuries and illnesses are not accurately reported to regulatory authorities. Ontario’s Institute for Work and Health (IWH) found in 2020 that 64 percent of injuries are not reported to workers’ compensation boards. A 2021 study by IWH revealed that over half of British Columbia workers who missed two or more workdays due to injury or illness did not file a claim, and identified instances of employer actions that could be considered as claim suppression. Additionally, research from IWH in Ontario highlighted that up to 40 percent of emergency department visits for the treatment of work-related injuries or illnesses are not reported to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) as required by law. Former IWH president and senior scientist Dr. Cameron Mustard stated in June 2021 that between 40 and 60 percent of potentially compensable conditions are typically unreported to provincial compensation authorities in Canada.
Ensuring timely reporting and incident investigation can help to identify necessary corrective measures to put in place and reduce potential repeat occurrences to assure safety to all. DAY OF MOURNING: A MORE ACCURATE PICTURE OF THE STATISTICS » »
Mental and Psychological Well-being
It’s important to understand that workplace health isn’t just about physical safety. Mental well-being matters too. Creating a work environment that supports mental health is crucial. Work can get stressful, and sometimes it leads to mental health issues that need support to recover from.
Work-related mental stress injuries happen when work stress or traumatic events cause psychological harm. Surprisingly, 30% of disability claims stem from mental health problems in Canada.
Employers can do a lot to make workplaces mentally healthy and safe. By fostering a supportive culture that values mental well-being, everyone benefits. It leads to a strong and competitive workforce.
Here are some benefits of a mentally healthy workplace:
Improves:
-Employee engagement
-Morale
-Job satisfaction
-Employee retention and recruitment
-Productivity
Reduces:
-Absenteeism
-Grievances
-Healthcare costs
-Medical leave and disability
-Workplace injuries
The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) offers useful resources through Healthy Minds@Work. It provides tools to help workplaces promote mental health and safety among employees. CCOHS: Healthy Minds @Work
As we approach the National Day of Mourning at the end of April, let’s reflect on the importance of maintaining a culture of safety and well-being in our workplaces everyday of the year. By highlighting worker well-being and actively promoting mental health awareness, we take significant steps toward creating safer, healthier, and more supportive environments for everyone. Together, let’s continue to prioritize the health and safety of our workforce.
For more information, visit Workers’ Compensation Board – Alberta’s National Day of Mourning website or the United Nations’ World Day for Safety and Health at Work website. Additional resources can also be found at CCOHS: National Day of Mourning and Mental health in the workplace – Canada.ca