The rate of workplace fatalities and critical injuries in Ontario workplaces have worsened in recent years.
The Occupational Health And Safety Act (OHSA) requires that all traumatic accidents where fatalities and critical injuries occur in the workplace must be investigated by elected members of a Joint Health and Safety Committee, or a health and safety representative. More often than not, this process will likely require an extended involvement in a protracted investigation potentially involving the Ministry of Labour, the Police, and the Coroner. Furthermore, in these cases there is a likelihood of those investigating the injury knowing the victims; it puts these individuals at an increased risk of developing Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Health and safety representatives and Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC) members play a fundamental role in the accurate and fair investigations of these tragic events. For workers exposed to a violent or unexpected death in the workplace, this grief is often prolonged. In Ontario, First Responders are currently covered by Prevention Plans to address the complex and destructive effects of PTSD.
The Workers’ Health and Safety Legal Clinic believes that all employers that have a health and safety representative or JHSC should be required to have prevention plans in place to identify the need for intervention and to ensure treatment for those exposed to traumatic workplace accidents and injuries.
We want the Ministry of Labour to make Ontario workplaces do better to keep workers’ safe and healthy.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder can be addressed with early detection, mandatory intervention and tailored treatment. Let’s get workers out of the darkness and help them gain access to the support they need. You can support our action by downloading the PTSD Prevention petition and flyer below. Completed petitions can be returned to the Workers’ Health and Safety Legal Clinic.
Click here to access the PTSD Prevention Petition.
Click here to access the PTSD Prevention Flyer.
Mental Health Resources & Supports
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BounceBack Program (CMHA) - https://bouncebackontario.ca/
BounceBack is a free skill-building program managed by the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA). It is designed to help adults and youth 15+ manage low mood, mild to moderate depression and anxiety, stress or worry. Delivered over the phone with a coach and through online videos, you will get access to tools that will support you on your path to mental wellness.
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AbilitiCBT - https://myicbt.com/home
AbilitiCBT is an internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (iCBT) program that you can access from any device, any time. Cognitive behavioral therapy is one of the most effective forms of therapy by helping you understand and change the thoughts, feelings and behaviors that are causing you problems. AbilitiCBT’s user-friendly virtual platform makes it convenient to get help when you need it, where you need it. AbilitiCBT is FREE if you live in Ontario or Manitoba, thanks to partnership with the provincial governments.
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Resources Specific to COVID-19
Take Care 19 - takecare19.com
takecare19.com is accessible and inclusive mental health resources for those coping through COVID‑19. In this time of uncertainty and rapid changes, some of us or our loved ones can be having a hard time with the news, loss of income and financial instability, health fears, feeling physically and emotionally isolated, and greater mental health issues. Click here for a crowd-sourced document that lists some helpful and free/low-cost mental health resources to cope with COVID-19.