MAYDAY, MAYDAY is an internationally recognized cry for help, and Mayday itself celebrates the contribution of workers the world over, both of which apply to the critically important subject of Workplace Mental Health, especially as we all strive to cope with the impact of the recent global pandemic.

 Please join us as we explore ways forward in developing healthier, safer, more respectful workplaces.

This webinar series is complete, and all sessions are recorded and able to view below.

May 10, 2023

COPSOQ Joint Session: Research into Practice

A. Canadian Survey Results and Trends
B. Survey Use and Challenges in Canada
C. Workplace Mental Health Survey Use Around the World

May 3, 2023   1:30 - 3:00 pm

Session 1: Opioid Addiction and Impairment Prevention at Work

A current concern in many workplaces and a Provincial OHS priority. Learn about the complexity of factors involved, plus resources to help.

Note:  The webinar will be recorded and streamed on FaceBook.

May 10, 2023

Session 2: COPSOQ Joint Session – Research into Practice

A unique opportunity to look at the international use and impact of the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire, an important workplace mental health/stress prevention survey tool

OHCOW is hosting the biannual COPSOQ (Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire) Network meeting in Hamilton on May 11 & 12 which will discuss the technicalities of the survey and its use around the world. We have deliberately scheduled it in May to intersect with our annual Mayday, Mayday Symposium on Workplace Mental Health and Injury Prevention. Research into Practice is a combined event including our regular audience of worker activists and advocates, Workers Compensation and OHS professionals, regulators, and researchers as well as others interested in the COPSOQ from around the world. This is one of three virtual sessions as a complement to the full-day, in-person* Joint COPSOQ & OHCOW Network Meeting in Hamilton, ON.

9:30 - 11:00 am

A. Canadian Survey Results and Trends

11:30 am - 1:00 pm

B. Survey Use and Challenges in Canada

2:00 - 3:30 pm

C. Workplace Mental Health Survey Use Around the World

May 17, 2023

Session 3: Youth Mental Health in the Community and at Work

Young workers have recognized vulnerabilities to workplace injuries & harms, including to psychosocial risk factors, made worse in the pandemic.

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.

Agenda:

Introduction and Welcome, Melissa Statham, Ergonomist, OHCOW

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

Introduction and 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

May 24, 2023

Session 4: Crisis Planning for Worker & Responder Mental Health

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?

In order to stop the harm, we need to recognize the patterns of impact and injury and the points of intervention that can influence change to prevent, mitigate, support and recover.

Agenda:

  1. A Safety Professional’s Experience with Mental Health, Andy Kerr, Director, Health, Safety and Environment, Alectra Utilities
  2. PTSD from a public safety perspective, Tanya Morose, Director, Prevention, Retention and Engagement, Public Safety, Health and Community Care, Public Services Health & Safety Association
  3. PeerOnCall @ work: Providing mental health support in the palm of your hand, Navdeep Goraya, MPH(c), McMaster University and Sandra Moll, Associate Professor, Rehabilitation Science
  4. Worker trauma support planning in Crisis management, Kathy Martin, Coordinator, Research, Stakeholder & Public Relations, Mental Health and Wellness Specialist, Infrastructure Health and Safety Association

 

May 31, 2023

Session 5: Workplace Mental Health Programs and Opportunities

Wrapping up this important webinar series with a focus on success strategies, tools and other resources to support workers and workplaces.

Agenda:

  • StressAssess Survey Success, A Case Study, Jordan Bray-Stone, Chairperson, Air Canada Component of CUPE Occupational Health and Safety Committee and CUPE Airline Division Health and Safety Committee and Nicola Schnell, Vice-chairperson - Air Canada Component of CUPE Occupational Health and Safety Committee
  • Walk the Talk - Creating a Psychologically Safe Workplace, Esther Fleurimond, Health & Safety Consultant (Workplace Mental Health), Workplace Safety and Prevention Services (WSPS)
  • Psychological Health and Safety Program and Resources, Tegan Slot, R.Kin MSc PhD CRSP CCPE, Lead, Specialized Services, Public Services Health & Safety Association (PSHSA)

 

Visit OHCOW's WMH webpage and Stressassess.ca for more information and resources on Workplace Mental Health and Injury Prevention.

And Contact Us for more information about, and assistance in, protecting workers and workplaces from injuries and illnesses caused or exacerbated by their work environment, activities or conditions.

PREVIOUS SESSIONS

Access the resources (recordings, PDFs, etc.) from previous year's sessions using the links provided below: