Workplace Safety

Q&A WITH Jamie Mcmillan

Kickass Careers founder, Jamie Mcmillan, shares with us the importance of mental health in the Skilled Trades industry, and its impact on safer work.

Physical health and mental health are equally important to an individual’s health and wellbeing. In your opinion, how can workplaces better incorporate mental health supports and services into their workplace safety strategy?

As a contract construction worker, I've encountered numerous challenges regarding mental health and wellbeing within the industry. It's important to emphasize that these issues aren't exclusive to construction; they're universal human concerns. The fast-paced nature of construction work, combined with its high demands, can exacerbate mental, emotional, and physical struggles among workers. While the industry has a reputation for toughness, advancements in health sciences and our understanding of mental health have paved the way for improved programs aimed at educating employers and employees alike. Through life skills and sensitivity training initiatives, we're creating safer working environments and nurturing healthier workplace cultures. However, despite ongoing progress, accountability remains a pressing issue. Employers must prioritize identifying and addressing toxic behavior rather than shielding perpetrators. By focusing efforts on fostering positive workplace dynamics and weeding out harmful individuals, we can truly enhance both physical safety and mental wellbeing in the construction industry.

Have you seen a change in the way people in the skilled trades approach the topic of mental health in the workplace?

There's definitely been a noticeable shift towards acknowledging and supporting mental health in workplaces lately. Working within a union has provided me with invaluable benefits, particularly in terms of therapy coverage for those facing personal challenges. In today's world, where escapism seems almost commonplace, people are contending with an array of unique hurdles—from soaring living costs to inflation—that impact their ability to provide. It's heartening to see a growing awareness and advocacy for change across all work environments. As we collectively push for safer, more nurturing workplace cultures, humanity is gradually recognizing the immense value of fostering happy, healthy work environments. It's inspiring to witness individuals stepping up to play their part in driving this crucial change forward.

Q&A WITH Seamus O'regan

Mediaplanet asked the Honourable Seamus O'regan, Minister of Labour, about Canada’s efforts on keeping workers physically and mentally safe with the right to disconnect and other government initiatives.

What is the biggest threat to workplace safety in Canada in recent years?

One of the biggest threats is badly-fitted personal protective equipment. It’s a threat to their health and safety. Proper PPE can be the difference between having the precision to adjust your harness when scaling a building or having to keep working with improper equipment, all because your gloves didn’t fit right. Proper PPE is really important if we’re going to include more women in the trades. I met with Ministers of Labour from across Canada in early April, and we agreed we need to end this dangerous risk to Canadian workers.

Physical health and mental health are equally important to an individual’s overall health and wellbeing. How is the government of Canada supporting the psychological health and safety in the workplace?

We’re creating a right to disconnect for all federally regulated workers. It’s in the 2024 federal budget. We’re so used to answering work texts at all hours, but workers shouldn’t have to worry about their job if they don’t reply right away. If you’re sick and overworked, you’re not at your best. You’re not productive. Just as we did when we gave federally regulated workers 10 days of paid sick leave, we want workers to take the rest and time they earn every day on the job.

Why is the National Day of Mourning important for Canadians to observe?

This is a day for Canadians to honour workers who were killed or injured on the job. We remember the workers we’ve failed in the past, and the responsibility we all have - governments, unions, industry - to make sure every worker is safe, healthy, and respected on the job. No worker should have to risk their life or safety for a paycheque. Not in this country. Not anywhere.