Participation in a National Case Study on Mental Health Wellness in Workplace
Nova Scotia's public service will take part in a national case study on psychological health and safety, an important factor in safer and more productive workplaces.
"As an employer, we want to provide a workplace that is safe and supportive for all employees," said Labi Kousoulis, Minister of the Public Service Commission. "Through this study we will look at ways to improve awareness of mental health wellness and reduce the stigma of mental illness in our workplace."
According to the Mental Health Commission of Canada, every year one in five Canadians will experience a mental health problem or illness, with mental illnesses being the number one cause of disability claims in the workplace.
The Mental Health Commission of Canada will lead the three-year study to look at best practices and identify areas of improvement regarding the implementation of the National Standard for Psychological Health and Safety. The province is among 20 organizations across the country participating in the study.
"When it comes to the health and safety of our workforce, ensuring physical safety isn't enough, it's time we start protecting psychological health as well," said Louise Bradley, president and CEO, Mental Health Commission of Canada. "We applaud the leadership shown by the province of Nova Scotia in implementing the national standard, and value its participation in our research project.
"This collaboration will not only benefit the Nova Scotia Public Service, it will lay the foundation for governments across Canada to improve mental health and safety in their public service."
The National Standard for Psychological Health and Safety provides direction with:
- identifying psychological hazards in the workplace
- assessing and controlling workplace risks associated with hazards that cannot be eliminated, such as stress due to organizational change or reasonable job demands
- implementing practices that support and promote psychological health and safety in the workplace
- growing a culture that promotes psychological health and safety in the workplace
- implementing measurement and reviewing systems to ensure sustainability
"The workplace plays an essential role in maintaining positive mental health. Creating psychologically healthy and safe workplaces benefits workers and helps their families," said Charles Bruce, CEO of the Nova Scotia Public Service Long Term Disability Trust.
Mr. Bruce is also a member of the committee that developed the national standard and is the former chair of the Mental Health Commission of Canada's Workforce Advisory Committee.
The voluntary National Standard for Psychological Health and Safety was developed by the Codes and Standards Group and the Bureau de normalisation du Québec, and is championed by the Mental Health Commission of Canada.
For additional information, visit http://www.csa.ca/cm/ca/en/home .