On April 28, workers across Canada mark the National Day of Mourning. We remember those who have been injured, made ill, or killed because of their work, and we recommit to fighting for the living.
This year, we are highlighting an important truth: psychological health and safety is a core part of occupational health and safety. Work-related stress, burnout, harassment, violence, and exposure to trauma are still too often treated as just part of the job. These are real workplace hazards that can cause serious psychological harm, and they must be prevented like any other occupational health and safety risk.
We also know that physical injuries can lead to psychological harm. Living with pain, trauma, long recoveries, or dealing with drawn-out workers’ compensation cases can take a significant toll on mental health, leading to stress, anxiety, or depression. That’s why physical and psychological health must be addressed together.
PSAC joins join the Canadian Labour Congress in urging all levels of government to treat psychological health with the same seriousness as physical health under occupational health and safety and workers’ compensation legislation. That means addressing psychological hazards in the workplace through prevention, risk assessment, enforcement, and stronger protections for workers.
PSAC is committed to fighting for safer workplaces where both physical and psychological health are protected. To find out how to take action in your workplace, contact your local, check out PSAC’s health and safety toolkit, or learn more about the work PSAC members do at the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS).
Day of Mourning ceremonies are happening across the country. Visit the Canadian Labour Congress’ website to find one near you.
This article was first published on the PSAC website.
