OHCOW

Brain Injury Awareness Month 2026
2026-06-01 08:00 - 2026-06-30 17:00 (America/Toronto)
Brain Injury on the Job
1. Immediate Action & Reporting

Report the Injury: Notify your supervisor immediately and seek medical attention. Ensure a formal report is filed.
File a WSIB/WCB Claim: Contact your provincial workers’ compensation board to initiate a claim for lost wages and medical coverage. For example, Ontario workers can use the WSIB Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Program of Care for community-based early recovery and occupational support.

2. Returning to Work

Workplace Accommodations: Employers are legally obligated to accommodate recovering employees to the best of their ability. This often involves modified hours, ergonomic adjustments, or reduced workloads.
Planning: Use the Brain Injury Canada Return to Work Guidebook for practical self-assessments, checklists, and strategies on how to transition back to employment successfully.

Ontario Brain Injury Association
This year’s focus:
When Overdose Doesn’t Kill – But Still Harms – Ontario Brain Injury Association Raises Alarm
Overlooked Consequences of Overdose & Brain Injury Go to Site This June, Brain Injury Awareness flags will be raised at city halls, municipalities, and community locations across Ontario.You can be part of the movement by flying a virtual flag online!
Update your social media profile photo, LinkedIn profile, virtual background, or email signature throughout June to show your support for individuals and families living with brain injury.Find Digital Resources Here.

Opioid overdose and Brain Injury
Opioid overdoses can have catastrophic results, including brain injury. Brain injuries present new challenges and changes that can be difficult to cope with, particularly if the survivor is also trying to cope with substance use.
Drug poisoning occurs when a toxic amount of one or more substances is introduced into the body, a situation commonly referred to as an overdose. Overdose risk is influenced by multiple factors, including the amount of substance taken, changes in substance tolerance, the use of multiple substances (knowingly or unknowingly), and the physiological effects of substances, such as suppression of breathing, consciousness, or other vital functions. Go to Opioid overdose page

In Canada, June is Brain Injury Awareness Month. Each year national, provincial, and local associations run campaigns to increase awareness about the prevalence of brain injury, the obstacles that exist for those with brain injury, and the need for more services and support at all stages of recovery.
This Brain Injury Awareness Month, we are going Beyond the Injury to raise awareness of brain injury and its profound impacts on all aspects of daily life, for individuals and for family/caregivers.
Our goal is to generate more national awareness and understanding of brain injury, and to raise money to continue developing programs and resources that will improve the lives of all Canadians living with brain injury. Go to Brain Injury Canada

Men's Health Month 2026
2026-06-01 08:00 - 2026-06-30 17:00
Suspenders ON!
This June, get your Suspenders On for someone you care about.
Suspenders On is a Canadian Men’s Health Foundation campaign for Men’s Health Month. It’s a simple, visible way to show up for the men in your life and help start the conversations that matter. See the 2026 Campaign
Listen to a Podcast that Adresses Men’s Issues
Listen to real conversations with influential Canadians, athletes, health experts, and men who’ve lived through crisis, tackling mental and physical health, stress, and resilience. Better health starts when men stop carrying it alone. Hear Podcast
Answers to Questions on Men’s Health
The Canadian Men’s Health Foundation Website has a section dedicated to providing answers for questions about the most common men’s health conditions. Whether it is Colorectal Cancer or other cancers, Depression, Erectile Dysfunction or Heart Disease and more, they provide professional advice and links to get further counselling and treatment. CMHF Men’s Health Conditions .
Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada have many online resources on Men’s health and life issues, including family life and work-life balance. Government Page on Men’s Issues
Each year, the week leading up to and including Father’s Day is Men’s Health Week — an excellent opportunity to reflect on and raise awareness about the importance of the health and well-being of Canadian men. Some organizations such as The Canadian Men’s Health Foundation designates the entire month of June as Men’s Health Month. In 2017, The provincial government started a partnership with the Canadian Men’s Health Foundation to promote healthier lifestyles for men. In 2021, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research published information about the health of boys and men in Canada, looking at mental health and wellness, violence, disease, accident rate, and physical activity.
Last year the 2025 Men’s Health Report was published, and contained concerning reports of the health of Canadian men, physically and mentally.
In the workplace, it is known that men are less likely to seek support for mental health, depression and emotional distress. In 2023, research was done specifically on the mental health of workers in the skilled trades, and found a connection between physical safety on the job and mental health.

Workplace Mental Health Webinar Series

OHCOW’s Mayday, Mayday Webinar series has featured sessions on mental health in male-dominated trades, such as the 2023 webinar, Crisis Planning for Worker & Responder Mental Health.
See the playlist for the 2025 Mayday, Mayday here.
Additional resources:
Government of Canada
Canadian Mental Health Association

National Indigenous People's Day
2026-06-21 08:00 - 17:00
National Indigenous Peoples Day events in Toronto The following pdf details the information shared in an OHCOW all staff meeting regarding the significance, history and meaning of June 21.
The Summer Solstice is a significant marker in many cultures. Being the longest day of the year, it is a “threshold” day holding deep spiritual and cultural significance for many Indigenous peoples.
As mentioned in the document, there is an art exhibition in Windsor entitled Water Protectors Exhibit for National Indigenous Peoples Day featuring work by Indigenous artists.
The document also includes notes about the history of the commemorative day and a link to a map showing events throughout the province, as well as links to Indigenous artists, information about collaborative partnerships, and territory acknowledgements. Ontario is addressing the alarming increase in cancer, diabetes, heart disease and respiratory diseases among Indigenous peoples. A report entitled “Path to Prevention – Recommendations for Reducing Chronic Disease in First Nations, Inuit and Métis”, which is focused on chronic diseases and health inequities in these populations in Ontario.
The report identifies risk factors for these communities as tobacco use, alcohol consumption, physical inactivity and unhealthy diets. The policy recommendations were developed through extensive engagement with First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities, the Government of Ontario and non-government organizations. There was a process for validation by First Nations, Inuit and Métis to ensure the recommendations accurately reflects the priorities of their communities.
The report is a key part of the Aboriginal Cancer Strategy and a companion report to Taking Action to Prevent Chronic Disease: Recommendations for a Healthier Ontario. SEE REPORT

PTSD Awareness Day
2026-06-27
The Public Health Agency of Canada
Public Statement
On National Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Day, we come together to raise awareness around PTSD, break the stigma, and show support and compassion for those suffering.
Post-traumatic stress can affect anyone, regardless of background or circumstance. Living through a traumatic event can have a profound impact on a person’s mental health, their relationships with family and friends, and their ability to cope with everyday life.
While anyone can develop PTSD, many Canadians are at an increased risk because of the nature of their jobs. Every day, frontline workers, healthcare providers, public safety and military personnel are called into action. They respond to emergencies of all kinds and are routinely exposed to trauma. It is important to learn how to recognize the symptoms of PTSD, as they can vary in intensity over time and from person-to-person.
Those struggling with mental health or substance use issues can find free resources and lists of supports in their area at Canada.ca/mental-health.
Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA)
PTSD is a mental health condition triggered by traumatic events like natural disasters, accidents, war, or assaults. Symptoms include unwanted thoughts or dreams, physical responses, strong negative emotions, and loss of interest in activities. A person with PTSD could experience the event themselves or witness it happening to others. If you’re struggling, please reach out for support. CMHA Page
OHCOW Resources

Crisis Planning for Worker & Responder Mental Health
A 2023 MayDay, MayDay Webinar Series Presentation
Raising awareness and recognizing planning and operational strategies that can make a difference in the short & long term impact of trauma.
Learn more about challenges faced by these frequently exposed front-line staff in their daily jobs, and some solutions to reduce risk and mitigate harm from an agency, industry and advocacy perspective.
Health and safety professionals, first responders and other workers in many sectors have suffered disproportionate stress, along with mental and physical harm/injury since the beginning of the pandemic. However, there are also long-standing challenges in a workforce that is programmed to smile and go the extra mile when the inevitable effects linger and accumulate. How can we help individually and collectively, especially from a workplace health and safety perspective?
GO TO MAYDAY MAYDAY VIDEO PAGE
PTSD Rules into Action
A presentation made as part of OHCOW’s 2018 MayDay MayDay webinar series.
May 2018, Presenter: Kim Slade, Public Services Health and Safety Association (PSHSA)

Uterine Fibroid Awareness Day
2026-07-21
What are Uterine Fibroids?
Uterine fibroids are a common non-cancerous tumour of the uterus. A non-cancerous (benign) tumour is a growth that doesn’t spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body. High levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone increase their growth, as well as chemicals that mimic female hormones. In most cases, fibroids are extremely small and barely noticeable. They should be monitored as they can expand in size over time and in some cases lead to infertility, chronic pain, and cancer.
Occupational Risks and Fibroids
Reproductive health issues are usually not work related. However, exposure to metals, solvents, pesticides, radiation, viruses, and extreme stress are all factors that can effect reproductive health. Xenoestrogens are foreign, man-made chemicals that mimic or disrupt natural estrogen and are found in plastics and other everyday substances present in our environment. In some production facilities and business prolonged exposure to chemicals has been linked to fibroid tumors, reproductive issues, endocrine imbalances, and hormone-dependent cancers. Published research such as this paper from Chinese researchers has indicated evidence that such chemicals can be airborne. Job areas where exposures to EDCs (Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals) may contribute to reproductive health problems:

Cosmetology & Hairdressing: Certain chemical hair relaxers and dyes pose risks. Research suggests prolonged exposure to EDCs in these products may elevate fibroid or endometriosis risk.
Manufacturing & Industrial Work: Workers in plastics manufacturing, textile production, agriculture, and commercial cleaning often have elevated levels of EDCs in their bodies.

The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) has a web page on reproductive health as it relates to workplace conditions. In addition to chemical exposure, research has revealed the stress caused by regular night shift work can disrupt the endocrine system and lead to tumor growth and even cancer, especially in women.

Exposure to industrial solvents, pesticides, and plastics/BPA can interfere with hormone signaling, which is linked to an increased likelihood of developing fibroids.
Workplace exposure to heavy metals such as cadmium and lead has been associated with adverse uterine health. [1]
High-stress occupations and chronic sleep deprivation (e.g., rotating night shifts) can trigger hormonal imbalances and exacerbate the pelvic pain and heavy bleeding associated with fibroids. According to current research published in Biomedical Reports, the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health and other sources, night shift work is the leading work-related factor that increases the risk for reproductive health issues and cancer.

The Workplace and Reproductive Health
OHCOW professionals and staff have experience investigating workplace conditions that point to increased health risks, including hazards to the reproductive system and organs. If you think workplace conditions may have caused your fibroids or other reproductive health issues, contact us.

Self Care Day
2026-07-24
Self-care is the ability of individuals, families and communities to promote health, prevent disease, maintain health, and cope with illness and disability with or without the support of a healthcare provider – World Health Organization. Self Care Canada Self Care is paying attention to physical and mental health, as well as environmental and emotional factors that may sometimes be neglected in the course of busy lives. It can mean getting exercise, eating nutritious food, and taking breaks.
Career Professionals of Canada warns that “job demands can sometimes impact our well-being.” They promote strategies to prevent burnout, including setting boundaries, realistic expectations, self-compassion, taking breaks and stress management techniques. they offer coaching courses that promote self care, because such strategies benefit individuals and organizations as a whole.

From the CHMA: With the majority of Canadians working between 35–45 hours a week—roughly one-third of their livesi —self-care is essential in the workplace. Organizations that encourage employees to practice self-care have reduced turnover, increased employee engagement, enhanced creativity, and a more resilient workforce capable of navigating challenges effectively. CMHA’s Not Myself Today program helps employers and employees foster a safe and supportive wok culture while building greater understanding and awareness of mental health and reducing stigma. Not Myself Today Website According to the International Self-Care Foundation, Self Care is comprised of pillars:
Pillar 1: Knowledge & Health Literacy
Pillar 2: Mental WellBeing
Pillar 3: Physical Activity
Pillar 4: Healthy Eating
Pillar 5: Risk Avoidance & Mitigation
Pillar 6 Good Hygiene
Pillar 7 Rational & Responsible use of Self-Care Products & Services

International Youth Day
2026-08-12 08:00 - 17:00
A day to focus on Youth-oriented issues, including occupational health and safety for young workers. By 2050, the people who are under 25 today will compose more than 90% of the prime-age workforce. See Website
Youth Mental Health in the Workplace
2023 Webinars
As part of the 2023 Mayday, Mayday Webinar Series, the topic of Youth Mental Health was explored. The webinar acknowledged that young workers have recognized vulnerabilities to workplace injuries & harms, including to psychosocial risk factors, made worse in the pandemic.
The presenters spoke of the need to learn more about challenges faced by these frequently exposed front-line staff in their daily jobs, and some solutions to reduce risk and mitigate harm from an agency, industry and advocacy perspective.
Moderated by OHCOW Ergonomist Melissa Statham, it featured two parts:
Part A: Youth Mental Health Outreach/Support, challenges and solutions, Ashleigh Erdelyan MSW RSW, Zahra Abou Elhassan MSW RSW, Youth Wellness Hub, CMHA-Windsor Essex
Part B: Essential Public Services, Essential Workers’ Health: Union-based Initiatives to Protect the Mental Health of Young Public Transport Workers. Canadian context for the International Project and Report, Shirly Yan, Occupational Hygienist, OHCOW; On the ground: Young Worker advocacy and support, Krista Lee Hanson, President, Unifor Road Transport Council See Webinars
Young Workers in the Transportation Sector
In March 2023, the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) released a report on “union-based initiatives to protect the mental health of young public transport workers”, along with a briefing paper in nine languages and the announcement of an online train-the-trainers course directed to participants with responsibilities for youth and/or occupational safety and health issues within their unions. See the booklet PDF.
Young Workers in Agriculture
The Workplace Health Without Borders partnered with the International Ergonomics and Human Factors Association for this webinar, the Physical Risks of Young Workers in Agriculture: Special Groups Need Special Methods. See Webinar

International Overdose Awareness Day
2026-08-31 08:00 - 17:00
25 Years On. Still Needed.
Every August 31, International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) brings a global community together to take action on overdose. Hold an event, spread the message, take action today. This year the theme for IOAD is 25 Years On. Still Needed. For 25 years, International Overdose Awareness Day has brought people together to remember those we’ve lost and to take action to save lives. Go to Site
Studying the Problem
The Institute for Work and Health conducted an extensive study on Opiod use among Ontario workers. They explored which professions were at greater risk for opioid use and overdose. See the information here.
A Data Tool
The IWH and the Ontario Cancer Research Centre partnered to create The Opioid-Related Harms among Ontario Workers project. This project aims to establish a surveillance program to monitor opioid-related adverse health events among Ontario workers.
The Opioids and Work Data Tool is an interactive tool that illustrates patterns of opioid-related harms among Ontario workers. The tool includes three dashboards, each displaying data for a different opioid-related harm identified in emergency department and hospitalization records:

Poisonings
Mental and behavioural disorders
Adverse reactions

Graphs within each dashboard can be customized to show trends in opioid-related harms over time, as well as the characteristics of the workers experiencing these harms (i.e., their age, sex, health region, occupation, and industry).
Did You Know?
Since 2023, employers must provide naloxone in the workplace if certain circumstances described in the Occupational Health and Safety Act apply. FIND OUT MORE
OHCOW Webinars
Opiod Use at Workplaces

Opioid and substance misuse in the Building Trades: A strategy to deal with an epidemic.
Speaker: Carmine Tiano, MA, Director of Occupational Services, Provincial Building and Construction Trades Council of Ontario
Carmine covers factors in the construction industry that make its workers vulnerable to substance abuse and addiction. Workers usually work contract on different sites, sometimes for short periods of time, and are always adjusting to new work sites and conditions. Work can be dependent on weather and project progress. He explains how accepted accident stats are skewed and don’t show the whole story, and how the compensation landscape does not adequately support injured workers.
Opioid-harms among Ontario Workers, what we know and are striving to learn.
Speaker: Dr. Nancy Carnide, PhD, Associate Scientist, Institute for Work & Health
Dr. Carnide discusses the statistics for OPIOID harms among Ontario workers. Opioid uses has increased since the Covid pandemic, and males are most effected. In Ontario, there are not adequate statistics gathered or surveillance systems to monitor substance abuse in workplace — BC has better records. In that province, construction, transportation and warehousing are the topic fields where opioid abuse and fatalities occur. 44% of those who died from overdose were employed at the time of their death. Get factual information about the real numbers from this webinar.

Prostate Cancer Awareness Month 2026
2026-09-01 08:00 - 2026-09-30 17:00
September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. While progress has been made, prostate cancer is still the most commonly diagnosed cancer among men in Canada. This is a month to join together to transform the future of prostate cancer for the 27,900 men in Canada expected to be diagnosed this year. Prostate cancer is one of the least preventable cancers, making advancements in prostate cancer treatment so important.
The Canadian Cancer Society stresses the importance of early detection which can determine better treatment outcomes. Check out their page on testing here.
See Page on Early Detection

Prostate Cancer Foundation Spreads the Word
Check out the free Prostate Cancer Awareness Month Speaker Series, featuring speakers on topics such as treatments and clinical trials, oncology support, intimacy after treatment, and more. Advanced registration required.
Go to Speaker Series Page

Occupational Risks
Genetic factors and lifestyle pose the biggest risks for the occurrence of cancer. Environmental and Occupational risk factors are also a huge factor. According to peer reviewed articles in the Journal of Cancer Prevention and other sources, the most at risk are

farmers/agricultural workers: pesticides
some manufacturing such as rubber workers: chemicals such as carbamates and triazines, cadmium, chromium, cutting fluids, acrylonitrile
construction work, whole body vibration
flight personnel, health workers, security: shift work
ionizing radiation

See more information and resources on OHCOW’s work-related cancer page.
Go to Page

Kidd Creek Info Sessions
2026-09-09 13:00 - 2026-09-10 20:00
Free Information Sessions (please RSVP)
For your convenience, different times are offered. The content is the same for the different sessions.
DATES AND TIMES:

Wednesday, September 9th;
Two times available: 1pm-4pm or 6pm-8pm
Thursday, September 10th; 9am-11am
LOCATION:
South Porcupine Legion Branch 287
46 Legion Dr, South Porcupine, ON P0N 1H0.
FOR MORE INFO:
contact Donna Pearson occupational health nurse at 249-885-1035
or Emma Lee client service coordinator at 416-525-4971.

World Suicide Prevention Day
2026-09-10
Preventing suicide: When and how to help
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call 9-1-1.
If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, call or text 9-8-8. Support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline.
Help is also available through Kids Help Phone (1-800-668-6868) and the Hope for Wellness Help Line (1-855-242-3310).
Mental Injury Toolkit
Canadian employees thinking of suicide at high rates: what can HR do differently?
A new survey of Canadian workers has revealed alarming statistics: 23% had thoughts of self-harm or suicide in the previous two weeks, and 36% had such thoughts in the previous year. Read this research about work-related suicide in Canada: HRR Reporter
For practical approaches and information about improving mental health in the workplace, OHCOW’s Mental Injury Toolkit is specifically created to answer questions and provide guidance for the workplace with regards to mental health. The workplace can be a major source of stress for workers. This guide and resource kit will provide workers with a basic understanding and a place to start to learn about workplace stress and what to do about it, including:

Definitions
Common Causes of Mental Distress
Legal Frameworks
Possible Actions
Additional Resources

Mental Injury Toolkit

Suicide Prevention Workshops
Do you want to be better prepared to help those living with suicidal thoughts and behaviours? Take internationally recognized and certified suicide prevention training workshops delivered through Ontario Shores by our highly trained and qualified mental health professionals.
Find out More

Workplace Mental Health Webinar Series

OHCOW’s Mayday, Mayday Webinar series has featured sessions on work related suicide, and mental health for the high-risk role of service responders, Crisis Planning for Worker & Responder Mental Health.
See the playlist for the 2025 Mayday, Mayday here.

World First Aid Day 2026
2026-09-13
Learn First Aid, Save a Life
Learning First Aid empowers you to make a difference, by providing immediate, potentially life-saving assistance in emergencies. According to the World First Aid Day Foundation, the date aims to raise awareness about the significance of first aid, provide valuable resources for learning basic first aid techniques, and inspire individuals to become first aid champions in their communities.
The Canadian Red Cross marks this day by encouraging people in Canada to learn practical first aid skills, find trusted training, and feel more ready to act in an emergency.
World First Aid Day
Essential First Aid Courses – Ontario
Equip yourself with essential skills—comprehensive training for all levels of first aid and CPR. See the standard, advanced levels and certification available from the St. John Ambulance First Aid Training.

The purpose of First Aid Day is to remind people that first aid skills can help save lives, reduce injuries, and build safer communities. The Canadian Red Cross marks this day by encouraging people in Canada to learn practical first aid skills, find trusted training, and feel more ready to act in an emergency. See our training and certification courses here.
