OHCOW

Mental Health Week
2025-05-05 08:00 - 2025-05-11 17:00 (America/Toronto)
CMHA Mental Health Week Website
This Mental Health Week (May 5-11), the CMHA is encouraging people across Canada to look beyond the surface and see the whole person. By embracing honesty and vulnerability, we open the door to deeper connections and the mental health benefits that come with it. In doing so, we can create a ripple effect of courage and understanding across the country.
See OHCOW’s Mayday Mayday Webinar series for more information.

World Asthma Day
2025-05-06
World Asthma Day (Canada) Website
Lighting Landmarks Across Canada Shine Blue for World Asthma Day & Asthma Awareness Month
This World Asthma Day (Tuesday, May 6) and Asthma Awareness Month, iconic landmarks across Canada will illuminate in blue, standing in solidarity with the more than 4.6 million Canadians living with asthma and in remembrance of the 300 lives tragically lost to the disease each year.
If you’re near one of these landmarks, snap a photo and share it using #WorldAsthmaDay and #AsthmaAwarenessMonth to raise awareness and help put asthma in the spotlight!
Participating Landmarks:
Ontario
CN Tower*| Toronto
Niagara Falls | Niagara (Illuminated at 10 PM for 15 minutes)
Peace Bridge | Fort Erie

Mayday! Mayday! 2025 Workplace Mental Health Webinars Week 2
2025-05-08 10:00 - 12:00
Welcome to the 9th annual Mayday, Mayday Symposium, which continues to build on the double meaning of it’s title (International labour day + Universal cry for help) to translate the knowledge and experience of our OHCOW professional staff, partners and guest speakers to increase psycho-social hazard awareness and prevention of related harm and injury to workers. The five week webinar series format allows for an ever-expanding audience from around the world, all gathering to learn, share experience and generate ideas. Register today and join the discussion.
WEEK TWO
Thursday, May 8, 2025
10:30am – 12:00pm ET
Lessons Learned – Workplace Experiences & Stories

Getting workers/members engaged in efforts to improve workplace stress conditions
Speaker: Carrie de Graaf, President, OSSTF D8 Edu.l Support Staff
Real Talk: A Short Workplace Stress Survey launched our Psychological Health Journey
Speaker: Hayley Bennett, Wellness Coordinator, Bruyère Health
Voice of experience: 15 years, 15(+) insights on workplace survey support
John Oudyk, Occupational Hygienist, OHCOW

Open discussion follows. VIEW PLAYLISTSLIDES PDF – de Graaf, OudykSLIDES PDF – BennettSLIDES PDF – Oudyk

Mayday! Mayday! 2025 Workplace Mental Health Series Week 2
2025-05-08 10:00 - 12:00

National Nursing Week
2025-05-12 08:00 - 2025-05-18 17:00
Ontario Nurses Association Website
During Nursing Week, we celebrate the dedication, expertise, and achievements of registered nurses (RNs), registered practical nurses (RPNs) and nurse practitioners (NPs.) This year, for ONA nurses, Nursing Week is being held May 12-18.
Our 2025 Nursing Week theme is:
Raising our voices. Speaking the truth.
Faire entendre nos voix. Dire la vérité.
This theme captures our growing momentum in telling Ontarians the brutal truth. We find ourselves at a crossroads. Never before has it been so important to speak out and speak the truth about what is going on in our health-care system.
Nursing Week offers a great opportunity to do more than celebrate. We can also amplify our concerns and our bold ideas for solutions. We know the value of the experienced and highly skilled nurses in our health-care system, and how it is endangered if we don’t address recruitment and retention of the nursing workforce.

Global Accessibility Awareness Day
2025-05-15
Go to the GAAD website
The GAAD Foundation
The GAAD Foundation was launched in 2021 to mark GAAD’s 10th anniversary. Its mission is to disrupt the culture of technology and digital product development to include accessibility as a core requirement.
What is Digital Accessibility?
Digital accessibility refers to the ability of people with disabilities/impairments to independently consume and/or interact with digital (e.g., web, mobile) applications and content. Take a look at WebAIM’s The WebAIM Million, for a current snapshot of trends and issues regarding web accessibility.

Mayday Mayday Workplace Mental Health Webinar Series Week 3
2025-05-15 10:30 - 12:00
WEEK THREE
Thursday, May 15, 2025
10:30am – 12:00pm ET
Assessment assessment: Exploring Survey Options

The psychosocial work environment: what is it, why is it important, how to measure?
Speaker: Dr. Peter Smith, President, IWH
Beyond Conversations: Measuring improvements in workplace mental health
Speaker: Liz Horvath, Senior Advisor, PsycHS, Opening Minds, MHCC
Ontario Workplace Wellbeing Survey insights and experience
Speaker: Katrina Burch, Psychological H&S Advisor/Assessor, PSHSA

Open discussion follows. VIEW PLAYLISTSLIDES – Peter SmithSLIDES – Liz HorvathSLIDES – Katrina Burch

Mayday Mayday Workplace Mental Health Webinar Week 4
2025-05-22 10:30 - 12:00
WEEK FOUR
Thursday, May 22, 2025
10:30am – 12:00pm ET
Research Results: Finding & Building on Knowledge

Mindful Workplace Mental Health: Accommodation & Return to Work
Speaker: Dr. Behdin Nowrouzi-Kia, Occ Sci & OT, Univ. of Toronto
Job quality and its relationship to ‘deaths of despair’
Speaker: Dr. Faraz Shahidi, Associate Scientist, IWH
Work-related suicide. An international social justice analysis
Speakers: Steven Bittle, Professor, Criminology, Univ. of Ottawa; Sarah Waters, Professor French Studies, Univ of Leeds

Open discussion follows. VIEW PLAYLISTSLIDES: Nowrouzi-KiaSLIDES: ShahidiSLIDES: Bittle

AccessAbility Week
2025-05-25 08:00 - 2025-05-30 17:00
The AODA page for Accessibilty Week
During National AccessAbility Week, we recognize the ways people with disabilities take part in their communities.
Citizens with disabilities are sometimes prevented from full involvement in their communities because they encounter accessibility barriers. Barriers limit the things people with disabilities can do, the places they can go, or the ways other community members interact with them.
National AccessAbility Week gives us the chance to honour people committed to removing these barriers. Some of these activists have disabilities, while others are non-disabled allies who understand what their fellow community members are capable of. When we break down barriers, we make sure that people with disabilities have the same opportunities as their fellow community members.

Mayday Mayday Workplace Mental Health Webinar Series Week 5
2025-05-29 10:30 - 12:00
WEEK FIVE
Thursday, May 29, 2025
10:30am – 12:00pm ET
Canadian Conversation: Mental Injury Prevention across the Country

Newfoundland Experience Building a Peer Support Program
Speakers: Tammy McCabe, Manager, Communications and Industry Relations, NLCSA
Dr. Kim Cullen, MUN
What’s happening in Alberta with workplace psychological safety?
Speaker: Karina Thomas, MSc, PhD
Occupational Disease Scientific Lead, Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration
Mental Health Injuries in BC’s Social Services Sector: A growing concern
Speakers: Suncha Satney, Psychological H&S Consultant, CSSHSA;
Tigran Bajgoric, CEO, CSSHSA

Open discussion follows. VIEW PLAYLISTPDF SLIDES-THOMASPDF SLIDES-CSSHSA

Injured Workers Day
2025-06-01
Every year on June 1st, Ontarians pay respect to the hundreds of workers who have died or become injured while working on their job sites. The Ontario Injured Workers Day is an opportunity to recognize the individuals who have suffered injuries and fatalities as a result of their workplace conditions.
In Ontario, we owe a debt to Sudbury MPP and NDP Labour critic Jamie West, who pushed to have June 1 officially recognized as Ontario’s Injured Workers Day. Last year he introduced his Private Member’s Bill, Bill 118, the Injured Workers Day Act, in the Ontario legislature. Because of this Act, June 1 of every year will be formally recognized as Injured Workers Day. See OHCOW page about this achievement.
Read Bill 118, Injured Workers Day Act, 2024, S.O. 2024 here.
See the Ontario Federation of Labour Page here.
See the UFCW Injured Workers page here.
EVENTS:
June 1st is (officially) Injured Workers Day. On June 1st 1983, more than 3000 injured & ill workers and allies crowded the lawn at Queen’s Park demanding dignity and respect in the face of corporatization and cuts. This June 1 at 11am is another gathering on that same spot.
Over 40 years later, injured & ill workers will again gather Sunday June 1st to celebrate our strength and continue to fight for law and policy reform. Thanks to Bill 118 The Injured Workers’ Day Act, June 1st this year (and every year going forward), will be officially proclaimed Injured Workers’ Day by the Legislature of Ontario.

Brain Injury Awareness Month
2025-06-01 08:00 - 2025-06-30 17:00
This June, during Brain Injury Awareness Month, the National organization Brain Injury Canada is 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. The 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.
Get More info here.
Northern Brain Injury Association
The Northern Brain Injury Association of BC has a webpage about Preventing Workplace Brain Injury. It states that on average one million Canadians are injured, or become sick/diseased by their workplace each year, and out of that about 10% will result in a brain injury. Read more here.

National Indigenous History Month
2025-06-01 08:00 - 2025-06-30 17:00
June is National Indigenous History Month in Canada, a time to recognize the rich history, heritage, resilience and diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis.
See the Government of Canada’s page acknowledging National Indigenous History month here.
See events that are happening in Toronto here.

Men's Health Month: Never Alone
2025-06-01 08:00 - 2025-06-30 17:00
The Canadian Men’s Health Foundation is marking June 2025, Men’s Health Month, with a campaign entitled, Never Alone. This June, join guys across Canada talking about the tough stuff and getting tools to build better mental health. The 2025 Men’s Health Report contains concerning reports of the health of Canadian men, physically and mentally.
See the webpage here, that has links to a June 12 workshop for men and other resources.
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.
According to Public Health Canada, many Canadian men are not achieving their optimal health. In fact, on average, they live four fewer years than Canadian women, for a number of occupational and non-occupational reasons.
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.
The website Mentell Health is a resource for men to connect, learn and discuss issues around mental health and emotional well being. They also have a page dedicated to Men’s Health Month.
See also Men’s Health Week.

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

Men's Health Week
2025-06-09 08:00 - 2025-06-15 17:00
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.
According to Public Health Canada, many Canadian men are not achieving their optimal health. In fact, on average, they live four fewer years than Canadian women, for a number of occupational and non-occupational reasons.
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.
The website Mentell Health is a resource for men to connect, learn and discuss issues around mental health and emotional well being. They also have a page dedicated to Men’s Health Month.
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.
Additional resources:
Government of Canada
Canadian Mental Health Association

National Indigenous Peoples Day
2025-06-21
See the National Indigenous People’s Day page here.

Webinar: Work and Health in Primary Care in Ontario
2025-06-25 12:00 - 13:00
Work and health in Primary Care in Ontario: Improving the recognition and recording of work relatedness
In partnership with Dalhousie University and Praxus Health
Register
This pilot study aims to address gaps in work and health by integrating occupational data collection into primary care through an online questionnaire. This system will simplify the capture and coding of patient occupation, allowing primary care providers (PCPs) to offer more informed advice on occupational health and wellbeing.
The study’s outcomes will include the creation of a large occupational health database and the provision of real-time aggregated occupational information to key stakeholders. If successful, this system could be widely implemented in primary care clinics across the province, enhancing the understanding of occupational health risks, improving patient care, and informing evidence-based employee health policies.
Dr. Anil Adisesh (Dalhousie University): Dr Anil Adisesh is an Associate Professor in the Department of Medicine at Dalhousie University. He is the lead investigator for the study, Work and Health in Primary Care in Ontario: Improving the recognition and recording of work relatedness. Together with Dr Andrea Furlan he is the co-lead of the ECHO OEM telementoring program for primary health-care providers in Ontario, both projects are funded by WSIB Ontario.
Praxus Health Bio: Praxus Health is a Canadian not-for-profit that collaborates with a diverse range of partners to drive meaningful change and improve the health of communities. By connecting diverse sectors, from public to private, Praxus Health strives to solve complex health problems and empower communities to take control of their health. The organization’s work spans multiple health topics including occupational health, primary care innovation, immunization, cancer screening and more!

Uterine Fibroid Awareness Day
2025-07-21
The Canadian organization, the Vivre 100 fibromes association, seeks to improve available information, structures and platforms dedicated to uterine fibroids in Quebec and in Canada, and to improve the medical, social and psychological conditions of those with uterine fibroids. The main objective is to provide better access to information.
vivre100fibromes website
The Workplace and Reproductive Health
The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) has a web page on reproductive health. Reproductive hazards are factors that cause conditions to the reproductive organs and can interfere with a person’s ability to procreate.
In most cases, fibroids are extremely small and barely noticeable. The condition should be monitored as they can expand in size over time and in some cases lead to infertility, chronic pain, and cancer.
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.
If you think workplace conditions may have caused your fibroids or other reproductive health issues, contact us.

International Youth Day
2025-08-12
The theme of International Youth Day (IYD) 2025, Local Youth Actions for the Sustainable Development Goals and Beyond, highlighting the unique role of youth in translating global ambitions into community-driven realities.
They bring creativity, insight, and deep community ties that help bridge the gap between policy and practice. With over 65 per cent of SDG targets linked to local governance, youth engagement is not a luxury—it is a necessity.
This year’s IYD will also underscore the essential role of local and regional governments. Being the closest to the communities they serve, they are uniquely positioned to create inclusive policy environments, allocate resources, and establish mechanisms for youth participation in local planning and decision-making.
Find out More

Advancing Vibration Risk Management Webinar
2025-08-19 10:30 - 12:00
MLITSD Northern Region Mining Initiative on HAV
You’re invited to attend a free webinar on Tuesday, August 19 at 10:30 am ET, hosted by Ontario’s health and safety system partners.
In 2025, the MLITSD is launching a focused initiative on hand-arm vibration (HAV) exposure in Northern Ontario’s mining sector—and employers need to be prepared. This session will introduce the goals of the initiative and explain how HAV fits into the broader picture of mining risk management.
HAV-related health effects fall within the category of occupational illnesses with specific reporting requirements under the OHSA, but historically overlooked and misunderstood within the broader context of workplace hazard assessment and control.
Like other physical hazards, HAV exposure can—and should—be assessed using screening tools and measurement against established standards. Learn how Ontario’s health and safety system partners—including WSN, WSPS, CROSH, and OHCOW—are supporting this initiative and how they can help to “shake off” the risks of this often-overlooked hazard.
REGISTER TODAY
Help make your workplace safer and register today!
For more information, contact WSPS at 1-877-494-9777.

Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
2025-09-01 08:00 - 2025-09-30 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.
https://cancer.ca/en/about-us/prostate-cancer

Concussion Awareness Month
2025-09-01 08:00 - 2025-09-30 17:00
RSI Day 2023 Week 1 – Concussions in the Workplace
See a video and slide deck on this important topic.
This presentation will discuss the following topics:

Information about concussions and post-concussion symptom
Long term effects
Recovery and return to work
Underreporting, workplace factors, raising awareness about concussions in the workplace, and prevention of workplace hazards.

The goal is to raise awareness about concussions and to promote steps to take action to prevent concussions in the workplace.
RSI Day 2023 Week 1 – Concussions in the Workplace

After a Concussion: Return to Work Strategies
https://parachute.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Concussion-ReturnToWork-UA.pdf

Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month 2025
2025-09-01 08:00 - 2025-09-30 17:00
According to the Canadian Cancer Society:

Ovarian cancer can start in the cells of an ovary, but the most common type is thought to start in the cells of a fallopian tube. Fallopian tube and primary peritoneal cancers are staged and treated the same as epithelial ovarian cancer.
Risks for epithelial ovarian cancer include having a family history of ovarian cancer and BRCA gene mutations. Fallopian tube and primary peritoneal cancer share many of the same risks as epithelial ovarian cancer.

For more information:
Ovarian Cancer Canada
Ovarian Cancer Canada Walk of Hope
Occupational Hazards for Ovarian Cancer
Every year in September, the Ovarian Cancer Canada Walk of Hope takes place. It’s the only walk in the country that is solely dedicated to transforming the lives of those facing ovarian cancer, improving the reality of life with the disease, and working towards a future in which the disease is ultimately eradicated.
This year’s Ovarian Cancer Canada Walk of Hope raised almost $1,500,000 for Ovarian Cancer Research. The commitment sends a powerful message: we will not rest until women are able to live their lives freely, fully, and uninhibited by ovarian cancer. By driving research innovation and sharing crucial knowledge, we’re empowering Canadians to take control of their health today while we invest/build a future that is free of this disease.

Speaker Series | Proactive choices: Preventing hereditary breast and ovarian cancer

Wednesday, September 24, 2025
Virtual | 6:00 p.m. ET – 7:00 p.m. ET
3:00 p.m. PT – 4:00 p.m. PT

REGISTER

World First Aid Day
2025-09-13
World First Aid Day is a global observance held on the second Saturday in September. It was instituted by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) in 2000 and has been celebrated each year ever since.
The term “first aid” refers to the help available to anyone with a sudden injury or illness. Its main purpose is to preserve life and prevent exacerbation of the condition. This is not always done by medical staff. In emergency situations, ordinary people often have to provide first aid to save someone’s life. First aid does not require prior knowledge and can be improvised. However, if a first aid person does not know what to do, they may hurt themselves rather than help. This is why the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies encourages everyone to receive basic first aid training or at least educate themselves using all available reliable sources.
World First Aid Day aims to raise awareness of how first aid can prevent injuries and save lives in crises and everyday situations, as well as enhance access to first aid. The events and activities on this day focus on first aid training. Each year, a new general theme for the day is chosen, and participants are encouraged to plan events around the current year’s theme.
Recent polling by the Canadian Red Cross shows that nearly 40 per cent of Canadians say they have been in an emergency situation where they have had to perform first aid; however, only 18 per cent are currently certified. so ensure you have the skills needed to save lives when an emergency happens.
Info about first aid courses:
Canadian Health Care Provider Training Institute
First Aid 4U

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
2025-09-30
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a day to remember, learn about and reflect on the ongoing legacy of Indian Residential Schools.
September 30, 2021, marked the first observance of a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, following the identification of potential unmarked burial sites at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School in British Columbia. The date continues to be recognized as a day to solemnly reflect on the past for those affected by the Residential School system.
more info:
Government of Ontario page
Government of Canada Page
Orange Shirt Day

Global Ergonomics Month 2025
2025-10-01 08:00 - 2025-10-31 17:00
Human-Centred Design
Celebrated in October each year, Global Ergonomics Month is an international outreach campaign promoting human-centred design through the science, application and profession of ergonomics or human factors. These disciplines are focused on optimizing human well-being as well as overall system performance by proactively designing work and work systems to fit the people interfacing with them in ways that improve efficiency, productivity, health, safety and comfort. Ergonomics is ultimately good for business and good for people. See the content from previous years of Global Ergonomics Month here.

Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS)
This summer and fall, OHCOW has partnered with the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD), Workplace Safety North (WSN), and Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS) for a Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) initiative. Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) is a condition that can affect the vascular, neurological and muscular systems of the hands. Regular exposure to vibrating hand tools/equipment (dependent upon the magnitude, frequency, and duration) such as jackhammers, chisels, chainsaws, sanders, grinders, drills etc., increases the risk of developing HAVS. Some of the trades/industries in which workers are at risk include construction, forestry, foundry, assembly manufacturing, mining and agriculture.

Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD) Mining HAV Initiative
In 2025 the MLITSD is launching a focused initiative on hand-arm vibration (HAV) exposure in Northern Ontario’s mining sector—and employers need to be prepared. Use the QR code or go to the link to see list of resources.

Ergonomic Resources

Video
See the new three-part video playlist regarding HAVS.

Info Sheet
See page and download PDF.

Podcasts
Back to School: Ergonomics for Educators and Students
Everything from carrying a backpack to eyestrain from screens to school desks can cause injury. Get the facts with this detailed info sheet. Back to School: Ergonomics for Students and Educators This info sheet accompanies the Oh-Pods Podcast on the same topic.

Hear Podcast

Ergonomics of Fall Yard/Garden Chores: Preparation for Winter
Many yardwork chores may lead to the development of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) if done incorrectly. Get some useful information about preventing injury with this info sheet. Download PDF: Ergonomics of Fall Yard/ Garden Chores: Preparation for Winter

Hear Podcast

Ergonomics and Sleep Podcasts
How you sleep and factors like mattress quality can affect your health and sometimes result in musculoskeletal disorders. Download PDF: Ergonomics and Sleep

This info sheet accompanies a 2-part OH-PODS podcast. Tune in to hear!

PART ONE
PART TWO

Office Ergo e-Learning

CSA Office Ergonomics Standard (Z412-17), our new Office Ergonomics learning resource reflects changes in the office environment (i.e. multiple monitors, tablet use, remote workstations, etc.), as well as continuing to address ergonomic concerns related to the traditional office setting. Designed with independent modules for ease of use, this colourful and engaging e-learning resource contains 7 modules. Start a free account at MyOhcow first!

Office Ergo e-Learning
Job Demands Analysis (JDA)

This Job Demands Analysis (JDA) includes both a Physical Demands Description (PDD), as well as an analysis of Cognitive and Psychosocial Demands (CDA). This JDA template has been developed to be best used on a mobile device such as a phone or tablet, to accurately and efficiently capture the demands of a job. All features of the template are fully functional on computer as well.

Go to Tool

Office Ergonomics Calculator

The Office Ergonomics Calculator was designed to highlight areas of improvement between you and your workstation. It is a tool to indicate areas where improvement may be needed in your workstation setup. For more information about office ergonomics, see the reference guide.

Go to Calculator
Ergonomics Reference Guide
Keyboard Shortcut Tutorial
If you use a computer on a regular basis you need to be using keyboard shortcuts to minimize mouse use, increase keyboard efficiency, and reduce ergonomic risk. Different computers / operating systems have different shortcuts. Learn more about the shortcuts for the system that you use.

Go To Keyboard Shortcuts

Women's History Month 2025
2025-10-01 08:00 - 2025-10-31 17:00
See our Women’s History Month Page Here.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2025
2025-10-01 08:00 - 2025-10-31 17:00
Rates of breast cancer in Canada have dropped, and treatments have seen improved outcomes in the past decade. Still, according to the Canadian Cancer Society, about 75 Canadians are diagnosed with breast cancer every single day. It remains crucial to continue with education about the disease and be aware of its causes and prevention. Cancer of any type can be caused by both genetic pre-disposition and environmental factors.
For more information, see their page on the risks, symptoms, screening and diagnosis of breast cancer:

Cancer and Night Shift Work
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 breast cancer. In jobs such as nursing where working at night is required it is recommended to reduce the number of consecutive night shifts. It has also been identified that some individuals are less prone to the negative effects of night shifts due to their chronotype, meaning their individual variations of sleep/wake times, influenced by environmental light, genetics, and human development stages. When it comes to scheduling night shift work, a “forward rotation” is recommended, e.g. the night shift follows the afternoon shift and completes in the morning, rather than the morning shift following the night shift and completes in the afternoon. Continued research is being done on this important topic. See OHCOW’s Page on Work-Related Cancer
Occupational Risk Factors
Other than night shift work mentioned above, sedentary work and work involving exposure to substances such as ionizing radiation, asbestos, pesticides and some cleaning chemicals are also job-related factors.
This would include the following cccupations:
Nursing and Health Care: Shift work can lead to melatonin suppression, which has been reported as a risk for multiple cancers, including breast. It disrupts the circadian rhythm resulting in damaging effects on immune function and hormone balancing.
Teaching, Clerical: Sedentary behaviour like desk work can lead to higher risks of breast cancer. It is well established that physical activity is an important factor in breast cancer prevention, by lowering sex hormones and reducing adiposity and inflammation.
Janitorial, and similar: Exposure to chemicals can increase risk for breast cancer. Asbestos, still present in some buildings, has been proven to lead to various kinds of cancer in women and men.
Agricultural: Some pesticides used on farms and in greenhouses increase risk, including through equipment decontamination, pesticide drift, chemical spraying in fields, and more. Washing contaminated work clothing with other regular clothing is also a factor.
Here are some general pages about breast cancer and ways we can be involved in Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Canadian Cancer Society
BreastCancer.org
Canadian Breast Cancer Network

World Mental Health Day 2025
2025-10-10
October 10th is World Mental Health Day, a day to raise awareness of mental health, provide education and advocate against the social stigma globally. The World Federation for Mental Health established the date in 1992 to raise global awareness about mental health issues and mobilize efforts in support of mental health.

Access to Services: Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies

One of the biggest challenges for workplaces today is achieving a balance between the demands of work and employees’ mental health and wellness. Workplace stress is a serious health and safety hazard that can have devastating effects. Creating safe and equitable working conditions, in which safety and wellness issues are taken seriously and promptly addressed, means a more productive work environment. When a workplace prioritizes work/life balance, everyone benefits. Working together, both can recognize and manage workplace psychosocial factors and ensure a supportive and healthy workplace environment, while allowing businesses to thrive. While the World Mental Health Day theme for 2025 is “access to services-mental health in catastrophies and emergencies,” the principles relate to emotionally healthy workplaces from a community and occupational perspective as well.

Mayday, Mayday!
Watch OHCOW’s 9th annual Mayday, Mayday Symposium, which continues to build on the double meaning of it’s title (International labour day + Universal cry for help) to translate the knowledge and experience of our OHCOW professional staff, partners and guest speakers to increase psycho-social hazard awareness and prevention of related harm and injury to workers.

Below are some of the most popular workplace mental health resources developed in partnership with OHCOW.

StressAssess Survey Tool and App
StressAssess Workplace Edition is a free, evidence-based online survey tool designed to assist workplaces in identifying psychosocial hazards that can lead to stress and mental injury, providing suggestions and pathways to address them, and thus preventing harm.
StressAssess Survey Tool and App

Mental Injury Toolkit (MIT)
An Introduction and Action Guide Created by Workers for Workers: This 6-part Guide and Resource Toolkit provides workers with a basic understanding and place to start when learning about work-related stress. It provides definitions, common causes of mental distress, legal frameworks (focusing on Ontario), possible actions to take, and resources.
Mental Injury Toolkit (MIT)

Bullying Awareness Week 2025
2025-10-12 08:00 - 2025-10-18 17:00
Achieving Bully-free Workplaces
Bullying in the workplace, academia and schools is a worldwide problem.
October 12-18, 2025 has been designated Workplace Bullying Awareness Week, to draw attention to the damage bullying does and incite efforts to stop it.
See our resources for more information. Resources on Workplace BullyingThe Canadian Institute for Bullying Resources
